Month: March 2026

DMCC Executive Committee Approves Private Investment Report to DEED

Press Releases

(Rochester, Minn.) March 13, 2026 – The Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) Executive Committee today approved a report documenting more than $348 million in new private investment in Rochester and the DMC district during 2025. This is the largest-ever certified figure of annual private investment and brings the cumulative total to more than $2.1 billion in private investment since the beginning of the DMC initiative.

The 2025 figures include a $342.3 million investment from Mayo Clinic, twice as large as any previous year, reflecting continued progress on its multi-year expansion in downtown Rochester. Mayo Clinic’s ongoing investments in Rochester position the city as a global destination for health and wellness.

“In addition to advancing Mayo Clinic’s work in research, practice, and education, we are committed to investing in the community,” said Doug Holtan, Chair of Facilities and Support Services at Mayo Clinic. “These efforts help ensure Rochester continues to grow as a healthy, vibrant community for residents, patients, and visitors alike.”

As the scale of development in Rochester continues to accelerate, public and private collaborators are working together to support the community during a period of significant construction activity. Efforts include coordinated construction mitigation programs for downtown businesses, storefront activation initiatives, and investments in infrastructure that strengthen connectivity and support long-term growth.

“The continued pace of private investment demonstrates strong confidence in Rochester’s future and in the long-term vision of the DMC initiative,” said DMCC Board Chair Pamela Wheelock. “As Mayo Clinic advances its historic expansion and additional collaborators invest across the district, we are seeing the sustained momentum needed to transform downtown Rochester while ensuring the benefits of growth extend throughout the community.”

Since the start of the initiative, DMC has supported more than $200 million in public infrastructure investments, contributing to the redevelopment of approximately 15 city blocks and helping double the number of downtown housing units. Rochester has also recorded more than $1 billion in annual construction activity for three consecutive years, reflecting the scale of transformation underway.

The investment report will be submitted to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) as part of the annual certification process required under DMC legislation.

The next DMCC Board meeting is scheduled for May 21, 2026.

Get to Know Kristen O’Brien

General

Please join us in welcoming Kristen O’Brien to the DMC team as our Sustainability Associate! Here’s a little more about Kristen:

What did you study and where?

In December, I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with my bachelor’s degree in Ecology and Environmental Biology. As a student, I also gained certificates in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion as well as Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

What drew you to the DMC internship?

Following graduation, I hoped to find a role where I could apply my education, skills, and passion to make a meaningful impact in my community. The DMC internship stood out to me because of its innovative approach and its commitment to investing in the long-term health and well-being of Rochester and its residents. Being able to contribute to work that directly supports that community I live in is incredibly meaningful to me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of an organization making such a positive difference.

What projects are you most excited to work on?

One of the projects I am most excited to work on during my time with the team is helping to design frameworks and collect data related to DMC’s Design for Well-Being initiative in the 2025 Development Plan. I believe that clearly communicating the positive impact DMC is having on the community is one of the most important aspects of any community-facing role, and I’m excited to contribute to making that impact accessible and understandable to the general public.

What’s something you hope to learn during your time here?

I am greatly looking forward to expanding my skill set by working across different areas within the organization. Gaining further experience in effective cross-departmental communication and collaboration with a variety of stakeholders will be valuable in any future career, and the flexibility required to work with so many moving parts will help me grow both professionally and personally.

How does this internship align with your career goals?

I consider myself extremely fortunate that the work I will do in this role aligns closely with my long-term career goals. I aspire to grow into a position where I manage and coordinate sustainable initiatives at the community-level, working to enhance the quality of life for all residents. In this role I have the incredible opportunity to work with Lauren Jensen and Kayla Betzold, both Sustainability Coordinators, and I am deeply grateful for the chance to learn from their guidance, expertise, and mentorship.

What’s one fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

My dream career as a kid was to become the first female baseball player on the Minnesota Twins!