(Rochester, Minn.) September 24, 2026 – The Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) Board today approved $500,000 in Link Bus Rapid Transit contingency funding for the City of Rochester to continue Business Forward support for businesses affected by construction along the corridor.
The funding will help the City project team respond directly to business needs through outreach, access and visibility strategies, targeted marketing and promotions, customer traffic initiatives and other construction-mitigation efforts. Resources remain flexible, allowing the City to tailor assistance to the type, duration and severity of impacts experienced by individual businesses and different areas of the corridor.
“Major construction creates real challenges for businesses that need to remain visible, accessible and connected to their customers,” said DMCC board chair Pam Wheelock. “This investment gives the City and project team additional resources to respond as conditions change and provide support where it is needed most. Helping businesses successfully navigate construction is essential to the long-term success of Link and the corridor it will serve.”
“The City of Rochester will continue to administer Business Forward, applying lessons learned and taking a proactive approach to supporting businesses throughout construction,” said Deputy City Administrator Cindy Steinhauser. “That means listening directly to businesses, coordinating with our project partners, directing resources where they are most needed and most effective, and monitoring and reporting on our work. This additional funding will help us remain responsive as construction conditions and business needs change.”
Link BRT is DMC’s priority mobility infrastructure investment and remains scheduled to begin service in late summer 2027. When operational, the 2.8-mile, fare-free corridor will connect the West Transit Village, Mayo Clinic campuses and downtown destinations. With 12 stops and anticipated service for approximately 11,000 commuters, residents and visitors each day, Link BRT will expand access to downtown and provide a reliable new way to move through the city.
Additional Board Updates:
The DMCC reviewed progress on the Downtown Infrastructure Alignment project, a coordinated program of infrastructure and public realm improvements designed to align with Mayo Clinic’s Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Rochester investment and deliver lasting benefits for the community.
The program includes street, water, storm sewer, sanitary sewer and public realm improvements surrounding the Mayo Clinic expansion area. Organized into six aligned projects, the work is expected to continue through 2029.
An Enhanced Public Realm Delivery Plan is also nearing completion. Developed by Gamble Associates in partnership with City departments and DMC staff, the plan is intended to create a seamless public realm across individual projects and guide coordinated improvements as downtown construction advances. Completion is anticipated in October 2026.
“The coordination underway is about creating a cohesive downtown experience, even though the work will be delivered through multiple projects over several years,” said David Gamble, principal of Gamble Associates. “By aligning infrastructure, public realm design and construction sequencing, Rochester has an opportunity to ensure these investments improve connectivity, support downtown activity and create lasting value for the entire community.”
The Board also received an update on the Chateau Theatre and acknowledged the historic venue’s significance to Rochester and the Heart of the City. Since opening in 1927, the Chateau has served as a cornerstone for arts and entertainment downtown.
The City of Rochester presented a proposed partnership with Experience Rochester as the Chateau’s long-term operator. The framework would combine professional venue management, sales and marketing, community engagement and event development with continued partnerships among local arts, cultural, downtown and community organizations. It is intended to expand programming and event capabilities while supporting the long-term use and stewardship of the publicly owned facility.
It is anticipated that the City of Rochester will come forward with a capital funding request at the December DMCC Board Directors meeting.
The next regular DMCC Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 10, 2026, at 9:30. a.m.