Candidate responses are currently available for candidates who faced a primary election. Responses from additional candidates will be published later.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in the candidates responses are the sole views of their own. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce or its members. The candidate statements below do not imply the expression of any endorsement whatsoever by the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce or its members.
Ward 5
Shaun Palmer (I)
Given the Rochester areas current growth, how would you support economic development and revitalization across the city?
Given the current growth in the Rochester area, my support for economic development and revitalization across the city focuses on meeting the needs of the business community. Here are some key strategies.
- Streamlining the permit approval process is essential. I plan to listen to existing businesses and understand their experiences to make this process more efficient and supportive.
- Downtown businesses require adequate parking for their employees. Many parking ramps are only 60% full, so we should simplify and reduce the cost of obtaining parking permits. Right now, the city is receiving no income from these empty spaces.
- A critical priority is ensuring that Rochester remains a safe place to live and work while actively addressing homelessness.
A strong relationship between local government and the business community is essential to a thriving economy. How would you foster a strong partnership between the city and the business community, from policy decisions to quality of life?
Being an active member of the Chamber of Commerce is fundamental. Attending gatherings and informational events allows members to connect, discuss concerns, and provide valuable feedback, which is crucial for me as a council member.
Since my election in 2018, I have consistently reached out to business leaders to gather their opinions and learn from their experiences. A robust business community is essential for the continued success of Rochester.
Ruchi Gupta
Given the Rochester areas current growth, how would you support economic development and revitalization across the city?
As Mayo Clinic and DMC continue to expand, I would aim to position the city as a major economic engine for the region. That means diversifying the Rochester economy beyond healthcare and leveraging Mayo’s global reputation to attract advanced sectors to the city. This includes supporting the growth of vibrant small businesses that are often treated poorly during periods of rapid development. Beyond attracting new business to Rochester, the city also needs to focus on revitalization of underused spaces and creating places where people want to live, work, and visit. This involves activating vacant storefronts, improving walkability and business access during periods of construction, and working closely and in conjunction with the RDA, DMC, and the Mayo Clinic. In the end, the goal is to make sure that as Rochester grows, it pulls the region forward with it and that southeast Minnesota looks to Rochester as a hub for opportunity, innovation, and investment.
A strong relationship between local government and the business community is essential to a thriving economy. How would you foster a strong partnership between the city and the business community, from policy decisions to quality of life?
A strong relationship between the city and the business community begins with direct communication and transparency. Businesses need to be the first to know about upcoming construction timelines, access changes, and policy shifts so they have enough time to plan around it. A successful partnership means clear commitments from the city and no surprise costs to owners. The city should also focus on assisting new businesses with a business toolkit tailored to Rochester to help them adjust to the business environment. However, none of this works if it only benefits owners. The employees behind these businesses need to thrive too, with fair pay and stable conditions. And underlying all of it is a basic expectation of ethics from the city and business community alike. On quality of life, improving things like housing, parks, and revitalizing spaces not only makes Rochester better for its residents, but it also makes it attractive to businesses, strengthening our tax base and easing pressure on homeowners.