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Council approves 4% increase in downtown Special Service District charges to fund RDA operations
Summary
The council adopted a resolution levying $409,419.78 in special service charges for 2026 — a 4% increase from 2025 — to support the Rochester Downtown Alliance’s marketing and events work, which the RDA said now accounts for about 19% of its budget.
Josh Johnson of city administration introduced the annual special-service-district (SSD) charge resolution, explaining the $409,419.78 total reflects a 4% increase from 2025. Johnson said those charges support the Rochester Downtown Alliance (RDA) and comprise roughly 30–35% of the RDA operating budget.
Sean Fagan, RDA executive director, outlined a year of downtown activations and marketing, saying marketing has risen to approximately 19% of the organization’s operating expenses as the RDA pursues visitor-targeted campaigns, pop-up retail activation, and events. He described dozens of events, improvements to wayfinding, and partnerships with Mayo Clinic and other local organizations to draw visitors into downtown.
During the public hearing, multiple downtown business owners voiced support for the RDA’s mission while also pressing the council to coordinate SSD-funded activities with street projects and to consider parking impacts when planning bike lanes or other changes. Councilmember Keene moved adoption of the resolution; the motion passed on a voice/roll-call vote.
