Destination Medical Center Update:
2014 is a year of planning for DMC (and Rochester as a whole) and urban planners, architects, engineers and analysts will be drafting the 20-year DMC Development Plan. This plan will truly reflect what the community wants the Rochester experience to be for patients, visitors and residents. The plan will be grounded on input from all corners of the community, and there will be many ways to share your ideas and views. Here is a quick update of what has been going on with estimated timelines:
DMC organizations come together
As directed in the DMC state statute, two groups required to plan and execute DMC have been
created.
DMC Corporation (DMCC):
This group provides oversight and ensures that planning and implementation of the DMC initiative supports the legislative intent and requirements of the state statute. The DMCC Board will approve the development plan and decide where to invest the public funds to achieve development goals.
Progress Update: On. Jan. 30, the DMCC Board voted to advance a short list of consultants for the Development Planning process, approved the proposed 2014 budget and had a good discussion on the articles and bylaws, but did not vote on a final version. Once final decisions are made on these areas, anticipated within the next month, the Development Plan process can move forward with the hiring the urban planners and other consultants needed. Meeting agendas and materials can be found at www.dmccorporation.org.
DMC Economic Development Agency (EDA)
This independent private nonprofit agency provides a broad range of development services to the DMCC and coordinates with local jurisdictions to facilitate DMC planning. The planning process includes a broad-based effort to gather community input to help form the development plan.
Progress Update: The EDA has conducted interviews for planners, analysts and economic consultants who will produce the development plan. Hiring decisions are expected to be announced in late February or early March and the development plan process can move forward.
Since December, a group of about 80 local users, experts and organizations around eight core areas of a vibrant community have worked with the DMC team to design a framework to gather community input. These individuals are not giving input or shaping the development plan. Rather, they have shared expertise on the best way to reach out into the community. Check DMC.MN to sign up and receive updates and news about communitywide meetings as well as smaller group conversations that are expected to start in later March. Shaping the DMC Development Plan The overall DMC community input framework has been designed to be robust, with at least four public forums throughout the year, stakeholder input sessions and many deep dive ‘community conversations’ around the core areas of focus:
• Arts, Culture, Civic & Entertainment
• Commercial Research & Technology
• Health & Wellness
• Hospitality & Conventions
• Learning Environment
• Livable City, Retail & Dining
• Sports, Recreation & Nature
• Transportation
The community conversations will allow citizens to choose their core areas they are most passionate about to allow for focused discussions. These “community conversations” will occur throughout the first half of 2014 to help inform the DMC Development Plan. By the third quarter of 2014, it is anticipated planners will have a preliminary draft of the DMC Development Plan for community to give feedback as the plan takes shape, continuing the iterative review process.
Interested in a DMC Update?
The DMC team has been out in the community talking about DMC and answering questions with a variety of organizations, surrounding communities and neighborhood associations. If you would like a DMC update at your next meeting please contact Heidi Mestad at Mestad.heidi1@mayo.edu or Jamie Rothe at rothe.jamie@mayo.edu
Background on DMC
Destination Medical Center (DMC) is an innovative economic development initiative to secure the status of Minnesota as a global medical destination now and in the future. It is a public-private partnership that includes the State of Minnesota, City of Rochester, Olmsted County and Mayo Clinic. It will enhance the overall downtown experience for community members, patients and visitors.
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