City of Rochester 2026-2027 Budget Planning Begins
April 23, 2025 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – The City of Rochester is beginning its 2026-2027 budget process and invites residents to learn more about the factors shaping the City’s financial outlook. The process officially kicks off with a City Council Study Session on April 28 at City Hall. The 2026-2027 budget will guide spending while aligning with strategic priorities and funding important City services.
Additional dates for the 2026-2027 budget process include:
- June 23, 2025: City Council’s review of the 2024 Audit, 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan and other budget related topics
- August 25, September 3 and September 15, 2025: City Administrator presents recommended budget to the City Council
- September 22, 2025: Maximum levy set by City Council
- December 1, 2025: Budget hearing and adoption of the 2026-2027 budget and final levy
“The City budget process is a critical tool for ensuring fiscal responsibility while delivering high-quality public services. By emphasizing the identification of operational efficiencies and the optimization of existing resources, the City is able to stretch taxpayer dollars further without compromising service levels, while still focusing on achieving milestones that invest in the Council’s strategic priorities and advance the community vision,” shared City Administrator Alison Zelms.
The City Council is actively engaged in reviewing the City’s Strategic Priorities and an update on that process will be a part of the conversation during the April 28 Study Session. In addition, the focus will be on what factors the City Council should be aware of that will influence the economic landscape in Rochester, the state and nation.
Several factors shaping Rochester’s upcoming budget:
- Economic growth
- Population and property growth
- One-time funding and levy adjustments
- Strategic investments and infrastructure
- State and federal funding
The City utilizes a two-year budget cycle that promotes long-term planning and financial stability. The extended timeframe encourages proactive problem-solving rather than reactive decision-making, and it provides the flexibility to realign resources as community needs evolve. By pairing this strategic budget structure with a focus on fiscal discipline and results-driven management, the City ensures that every dollar spent contributes to building a more effective, equitable and resilient local government.
More information
Past budget documents are available on the City of Rochester website. City Council meeting dates, times and agendas are also available on the City’s website.