Kim Norton

Kim Norton. She is an American politician serving as the Mayor of Rochester, Minnesota, a position she has held since 2019. A member of the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), she previously served in the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 25B. Her career has focused on issues such as public health, education funding, and large-scale community development projects like Destination Medical Center.

Early life and education

Born in Rochester, Minnesota, she grew up in the city she would later lead. She attended John Marshall High School before pursuing higher education at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities. Her academic background is in social work and public policy, fields that directly informed her later advocacy work. During this period, she also became involved with local community organizations and the DFL Party, laying the groundwork for her future in public service.

Political career

Her political career began with her election to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2006, where she represented a portion of Olmsted County. During her tenure, she served on influential committees including the Health and Human Services Finance Committee and the Education Finance Committee. She was a chief author of significant legislation, such as the 2007 Minnesota Indoor Clean Air Act, which expanded smoking bans. She also played a key role in advocating for state funding for the Mayo Clinic-anchored Destination Medical Center initiative before retiring from the Minnesota Legislature in 2016.

Mayor of Rochester

Elected in 2018 and taking office in 2019, she succeeded long-time mayor Ardell Brede. Her administration has focused on managing Rochester's rapid growth, largely driven by the Destination Medical Center economic development initiative. Key projects have included advancing the Heart of the City downtown redevelopment, addressing affordable housing shortages, and overseeing significant public transit and infrastructure investments. She has worked closely with the Rochester City Council, the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners, and entities like the Destination Medical Center Corporation Board.

Policy positions and initiatives

A consistent policy focus has been on environmental sustainability, leading efforts for the city's adoption of a Climate Action Plan and goals for carbon neutrality. She is a strong proponent of public health initiatives, having championed the Healthy Rochester program and supported the Rochester Public Schools. Other major initiatives include promoting equity and inclusion through the Rochester for All initiative, supporting small business development, and advocating for state and federal funding for local transportation projects like the Rochester International Airport and U.S. Highway 52 improvements.

Personal life

She is married to Randy Stone, and they have two adult children. The family has deep roots in the Rochester community. She has been active with local organizations such as the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of Olmsted County. In her personal time, she is an advocate for the arts, supporting institutions like the Rochester Civic Theatre and the Rochester Art Center.

Category:1956 births Category:Living people Category:Mayors of Rochester, Minnesota Category:Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party state representatives Category:University of Minnesota alumni Category:People from Rochester, Minnesota