Governor Tim Walz celebrated eight years of investment in healthcare innovation at Destination Medical Center's Discovery Square Innovation District in Rochester, Minnesota, one of several events highlighted in his weekly briefing.
Walz was joined by DMC Executive Director Patrick Seeb, Mayo Clinic President and CEO Gianrico Farrugia, M.D., Rochester Mayor Kim Norton, and Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Matt Varilek.
"Minnesota has long been an internationally recognized hub for academic medicine, research, and cutting-edge technology. When Americans think world-class healthcare, they think Rochester, Minnesota," Walz said. "I am proud of our partnership with Destination Medical Center as they work to leverage Mayo's success to usher in the next generation of healthcare innovation. This investment is a win across the board for healthcare, scientific innovation, and economic development."
On Tuesday, Walz broke ground on a new Minnesota State Patrol headquarters in Roseville, a project he first proposed in 2023 and signed into law in 2025. The facility, the first built specifically for the State Patrol, will consolidate operations in a secure, modern location designed to strengthen emergency response, coordination, training, recruitment, retention, and service to Minnesotans.
"Public safety infrastructure is more than concrete and steel; it is the foundation for the people and partnerships that keep Minnesotans safe," Walz said. "Our historic investments in public safety and infrastructure are making Minnesota's communities safer and giving public safety professionals the tools they need to serve."
The administration has provided $3.8 billion in public safety resources to all 87 counties and 11 Tribal Nations, opened a new State Emergency Operations Center in 2025, and broken ground on a Bureau of Criminal Apprehension regional office in Mankato. Minnesota has passed five bonding bills under Walz, including the two largest in state history, investing $8.9 billion in capital projects.
Walz also celebrated the reopening of the John Ireland Blvd. Bridge in Saint Paul, leading a celebratory run across it with MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger and representatives from Twin Cities in Motion, the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, and the reconstruction team.
"This bridge is an important part of the Saint Paul community and a vital connection to Minnesota's Front Lawn," Walz said. "MnDOT delivered this project on time, on budget, and on a demanding timeline, strengthening a connection that will serve Saint Paul and Minnesotans for generations to come."
Since 2019, MnDOT has built, rebuilt, or improved 3,900 miles of trunk highway, constructed 350 new bridges, repaired more than 5,800 existing bridges, maintained 9,000 roadway miles, and patched 86,500 tons of potholes.
Walz will travel to Denmark, Sweden, and Iceland from Sunday, September 27, through Saturday, October 3, 2026, to strengthen international partnerships and promote Minnesota as a destination for business investment.
"This trip is an opportunity to showcase Minnesota's strengths, open doors for Minnesota businesses, and attract investment that supports good-paying jobs," Walz said. Since 2019, the Governor and his administration have led 12 international trade missions to more than 18 countries.