On Wednesday, October 20, 2021, members of the media were invited to attend a virtual event on homelessness and housing solutions in Olmsted County. Updates were given on the Rochester Community Warming Center, the Empowering Connections and Housing Outreach Center, and what the future holds for Olmsted County and its efforts to create housing solutions for people in the community.
(Photo courtesy: MN DPS)
While the county and the city are required to have their own separate processes, the organizations will collaborate to help ensure community members have the pertinent information they need by providing an educational campaign, as well as joint community engagement efforts. The process will occur between November 2021 – April 2022.
The Ear of Corn Water Tower in Rochester, Minnesota is gaining national attention. The water tower, along with hundreds of other water towers in the United States and Canada, was nominated for the People’s Choice Award in the Tnemec Company’s Water Tank of the Year contest.
October 13, 2021, is County Financial Worker and Case Aide Day. Join Olmsted County in recognizing the valuable service financial workers and case aides provide the community.
Despite economic uncertainties and other challenges due to the pandemic, in 2021, Olmsted County once again received a Aaa credit rating (with a stable outlook) – the highest possible rating – from Moody’s Investors Service. The rating designation equates to significant taxpayer savings by lowering the cost of borrowing for the county. Olmsted County received the Aaa designation for the first time in 2002.
The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners voiced its support for Domestic Violence Awareness Month on October 5, 2021, with a proclamation calling on all citizens to increase awareness and understanding of domestic violence.
“The opening of the ECHO Center will continue the work we have done to help those with the least in our community get a step ahead,” said Olmsted County Housing Director David Dunn. “By providing a location for people who are struggling with housing and connecting them with helpful resources, we will be providing a missing piece for many as they strive to find a place to call home.”
Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccine six months following completion of the initial Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination series for the following groups:
Welcoming Week 2021 was celebrated September 10-19 in communities across the United States. People in Olmsted County took part in several virtual and in-person events that focused on embracing different cultures, being a gracious host, and recognizing the accomplishments of our newest citizens.