U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad emphasized the importance of the Mayo Clinic’s expansion in Rochester after meeting with local construction leaders driving the project.
Mayo Clinic’s expansion has contributed to economic activity in southern Minnesota, with substantial investments supporting both construction and related industries. The meeting took place as work continues on infrastructure improvements at the campus.
“I recently sat down with members of Rochester Area Builders who are leading the way in advancing the building industry in MN01,” Finstad said in a post on X. “With the Mayo Clinic right in our backyard, they provided valuable insights regarding their work on the hospital’s ongoing expansion and the importance of this project to Rochester and our southern Minnesota community.”
According to an article by the Post Bulletin, Rochester recorded $1.2 billion in building permits issued in 2025, with nearly half of that total tied directly to Mayo Clinic projects and related development. Mayo Clinic reported $342.2 million in investments within the Destination Medical Center district last year, nearly double the amount from the prior year as construction advances on the multibillion-dollar campus expansion.
The Destination Medical Center plan calls for more than $5 billion in projected private investment by Mayo Clinic and other entities over 20 years, and is expected to generate over 30,000 new jobs statewide, according to the initiative’s official website. Mayo Clinic currently employs more than 33,400 people in the Rochester area and contributes nearly $10 billion in annual economic impact to Minnesota—representing about 4% of the state’s gross domestic product. Local builders remain central to delivering large-scale healthcare infrastructure that supports continued growth in the region.
According to the Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress, Finstad served in the Minnesota House of Representatives and as executive director of the Center for Rural Policy and Development before his election to Congress. The Republican lawmaker represents Minnesota’s First Congressional District, which includes Rochester and much of southern Minnesota. Finstad graduated from St. James High School.
