Community News
Reimagining Sixth Avenue W
KEY PROJECT GOALS • Reconnect the downtown mobility network to ensure safe and efficient travel for all modes. • Design pedestrian-first streets with safer crossings and comfortable public spaces. • Introduce a new All Ages and Abilities (AAA) bikeway to strengthen active transportation connections. • Integrate design character and streetscape improvements that reflect a vibrant downtown. PROJECT TIMELINE • Fall 2025: Community and stakeholder engagement • January 2026: Design recommendations to City Council for approval • 2027 (or later): Project implementation
With the permanent closure of Third and Fourth Avenue SW, the City is looking to relocate north-south bike lanes, and introduce new pedestrian, bicycle and intersection improvements. Sixth Avenue W, running from Civic Center Drive to Fourth Street SW, will be redesigned as a key connection between the new Mayo Clinic campus and neighborhoods to the west. “Reimagining Sixth Avenue W is about creating a corridor that works for everyone,” said Steve Sampson Brown, Director of Construction, City of Rochester. “By prioritizing safety, connectivity and user experience, we’re building a downtown that is vibrant, accessible and welcoming to people of all ages and abilities.”
For more information, visit https://arcg.is/1T5eKu.
Businesses Report Cautious Optimism, but Higher Costs, for Year Ahead
Business services firms in Minnesota expect modestly improving outcomes in the year ahead, but they are concerned about inflation and its impact on consumer spending, according to a survey conducted by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. More than three-quarters of respondents to the survey say they expect revenue, productivity, employment and labor availability to either increase or stay the same over the next 12 months. Most respondents reported improvements or unchanged conditions in those same categories over the preceding 12 months. At the same time, most respondents expect higher business costs in the year ahead, and one-third project higher selling prices – leading most to say consumer spending will soften and inflation will worsen.
"This survey reflects the unusual state of our economy: business services firms are modestly optimistic about their industries but federal policies, like unpredictable and ever-changing tariffs, that influence costs are causing disruption and uncertainty," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "Coming out of the 2025 Legislative session, DEED is investing in business expansion and workforce development so Minnesota companies can continue to thrive here, despite this tumultuous backdrop."
Read the full press release at http://bit.ly/3IhmE6g
34 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — OCTOBER 2025
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