Rochester Mayor Requested Medal of Honor Nominations

Mayor Kim Norton has opened the nomination process for the 43rd annual city recognition awards.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Awards

Screen-print poster illustration of a metallic award medal resting on a granite stone, symbolizing civic recognition. — Rochester Mayor Kim Norton has invited residents to submit nominations for the 2026 Mayor's Medal of Honor to recognize exemplary community service. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Rochester Mayor Kim Norton has invited community members to submit nominations for the 2026 Mayor's Medal of Honor. This initiative honors local individuals who have provided exemplary service to the city.

Why it matters

The awards serve to highlight the contributions of residents across various sectors, ranging from sustainability to public heroism. Recognizing these efforts helps to foster a sense of civic pride and encourage continued community involvement.

The awards feature 14 distinct categories, including Heroism, Sustainability, and Champion of Diversity. Nominations must include a written description of the candidate's impact limited to 400 words.

The players

Kim Norton

She is the current Mayor of Rochester, Minnesota, and the official leading the city's annual recognition program.

The details

Residents can nominate candidates through an online form located on the Rochester city website. The program, now in its 43rd year, seeks to celebrate those who have made significant contributions to the local community.

October 31, 2026 is the deadline for submitting award nominations.
Winners will be honored at a luncheon in early December 2026.

Roadmap

The 43rd anniversary of the Rochester Mayor's Medal of Honor highlights a long-standing commitment to local recognition that predates many contemporary municipal awards programs. This tradition persists as a community staple, contrasting with the shift toward digital-only social appreciation seen in other cities.

Residents can actively participate in the selection process by identifying and nominating deserving neighbors for public recognition. The requirement of a 400-word description ensures that community members must thoughtfully articulate why their nominee makes a meaningful difference in the city.

The takeaway

Engaging in local recognition programs provides a simple way to highlight the work of volunteers who improve city life. Take time to document the specific achievements of your nominee to ensure their contributions are clearly communicated to the selection committee.