The Investment Plan
Based on several years of planning, research and community engagement, the City of Rochester has developed a long-term plan to invest $205 million in public projects that will support street repair, flood control, housing, workforce development, and recreation and sports.
Image provided by First Homes
Economic Vitality Fund
The Economic Vitality Fund will focus on key components of economic development strategies, such as housing, regional revitalization, workforce development and childcare infrastructure. This initiative aims to support the growth and prosperity of the community by:
Investing in missing middle- and low-income housing
Preserving existing affordable housing options in our neighborhoods
Developing workforce programs that will help create more job opportunities
Before Mill Overlay.
After Mill Overlay.
Street Reconstruction
The street reconstruction project will address the deteriorating streets by repairing and rebuilding the existing stretches of roadway needing attention. This project will benefit residents, the 33,000 workers who commute to Rochester, and the 3.1 million annual visitors alike by creating safer streets for all road users and promoting more efficient routes for traffic flow and travel.
Flood Control & Water Quality
The current flood control system was constructed in the 1980’s and early 1990’s and protects over $1.5 billion in assets. The flood control and water quality projects would improve the City's flood control system and enhance water quality in the Zumbro River. Funding will provide support for the essential operation and capital improvement investment into the flood control system.
The initiative includes integrated projects such as regional detention for additional rate control and sediment removal, reinvestment and enhancement of existing floodwalls, and riverbank stabilization measures.
Reinvestment in the existing system will:
Improve overall performance
Add floodwater storage capacity
Expand our capacity to protect our developed areas
Enhance water quality for the Zumbro River and its tributaries
By mitigating flood potential and maintaining water quality, these projects safeguards the community and environment.
Image provided by Rochester Area Pickleball Association (RAPA)
Regional Sports & Recreation Complex
The proposed complex will provide state-of-the-art facilities for Rochester residents and regional tournaments. The complex would also strengthen the City’s sports tourism market by attracting more state and local amateur sports, thus helping utilize the City’s 6,000 hotel rooms and area restaurants. While the City will continue to engage residents to gather their input as it further develops plans for the complex, the initial plan includes:
Synthetic turf and multi-purpose fields
A tournament-quality pickleball complex
Indoor multi-purpose courts - basketball/volleyball/pickleball
Indoor children’s play areas
Flexible community spaces