Local redistricting engagement efforts continue in Olmsted County and the City of Rochester

Olmsted County and the City of Rochester are currently in the process of redistricting – which is the redrawing of electoral boundaries every 10 years following the completion of the U.S. Census. From December 14, 2021 to January 22, 2022, Olmsted County and the City of Rochester held 11 virtual redistricting listening sessions. These were opportunities for residents to share valuable information on what matters to them before new city ward and county commissioner district maps are drawn. 

Video recordings of each listening session are available on the City of Rochester redistricting website under Events.

Frequently asked questions and comments from the listening sessions can also be found on the City of Rochester and Olmsted County redistricting websites. 

What happens next?

Residents are encouraged to continue providing input on the redistricting process on the Olmsted County redistricting website. Residents can also mail their comments to the Olmsted County Government Center:

Olmsted County Government Center
c/o PAC
151 4th St. SE
Rochester, MN 55904

All comments and questions will be reviewed by the Olmsted County and City of Rochester Redistricting team prior to the drawing of draft maps. The team consists of employees from Olmsted County Policy, Analysis, and Communications, Olmsted County Planning, Olmsted County Attorney’s Office, Olmsted County Property Records and Licensing, Rochester Community Development, Rochester Communications, and Strategic Engagement, Rochester City Attorney’s Office, Rochester Administration, and Rochester Public Library.

The City of Rochester will begin to draft new ward and precinct boundaries once Minnesota’s legislative districts are finalized in mid-February 2022. The municipal redistricting deadline is March 29, 2022. Olmsted County will then be able to draft new county commissioner district maps. The county redistricting deadline is April 26, 2022. 

There will be opportunities for residents to review the draft maps prior to the maps being finalized. Look for updates on the City of Rochester and Olmsted County redistricting websites.

Postcard mailer

In early February, postcards will be sent to all residences in Olmsted County to inform individuals about public comment opportunities coming in the near future. These opportunities are being offered for residents to provide their input on draft maps for the Rochester city wards and Olmsted County commissioner districts. The postcard will refer residents to the city and county redistricting websites for details. 

Questions?

If you have questions about the redistricting process, you can email Olmsted County PAC Support at PACsupport@co.olmsted.mn.us. 

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Media Contact: Gretchen Williamson, Communications Manager, 507-328-6024