Rochester is unique for many reasons. In addition to our strong economic foundations, Mayo Clinic, IBM and agriculture products, Rochester's strong point is the people who live and work to make our community what it is today, the "can do" attitude that prevails is the catalyst for the ongoing progress and visioning for our future.

Rochester is a city with a proud heritage of people helping people. With nearly half a million people seeking medical care at Mayo Clinic each year, we have become the city with a heart - a caring community.he city of Rochester is a municipal corporation, incorporated August 5, 1858, and exists under the laws of the State of Minnesota. The City is governed under a charter adopted August 22, 1904. The Common Council is comprised of seven Council members. Six council members are elected by Ward and the President of the Common Council is elected at large. The Mayor and Council members currently serve four year terms. A charter amendment adopted in 1994, changed the municipal election to November of even years and the terms of elected officials to four years beginning with the 1996 election under a phase-in process.