Rochester City Council April Newsletter
From President Miguel A. Meléndez, Jr.
Dear Neighbors,
This month, City Council has taken great steps to ensure this body renews its focus on the issues that matter most to you, our City residents.
I’m thrilled to share with you our new “Pact with the People,” a comprehensive plan developed by the majority of Rochester City Council to restate our collective commitment to working hand in hand with residents like you. Moving forward, this Council will place renewed and focused emphasis on Safer Neighborhoods, Quality Housing, and Equitable Access to Opportunity.
In our pursuit of Safer Neighborhoods, we stand firm in our resolve to support the underserved. We are investing in mental health services, bolstering emergency response capabilities, and developing innovative strategies to address drug-related issues that disproportionately affect our communities. We understand that safety starts with feeling secure where you live, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that every neighborhood in Rochester has resources to improve quality of life.
Quality Housing is not just a roof over your head; it is the foundation of a stable, fulfilling life. That is why we are committed reducing tax rates and ensuring equitable tax burdens, expanding affordable housing options for renters and owners alike, and holding landlords accountable to maintain safe and dignified living conditions for all residents. Our goal is to ensure every Rochester family has access to quality housing that they can truly call home.
Equitable Access to Opportunity lies at the heart of our mission. We recognize the importance of lifting up those who have been historically marginalized and underserved. By investing in neighborhood-based initiatives, strengthening local employment opportunities, and providing pathways for our youth to succeed, we are working to level the playing field and create a city where everyone has the chance to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.
As your City Council President, I am honored to lead this charge alongside my colleagues, Vice President Harris and Councilmembers Gruber, Patterson and Monroe. Together, we are committed to serving you, the residents of Rochester, and building a city where every voice is heard, and every person is valued.
Pact With the People
A majority of Rochester City Councilmembers – Miguel Meléndez (President); LaShay Harris (Vice President), Mike Patterson, Mitch Gruber and Bridget Monroe – are making a “Pact With the People” to renew City Council’s focus on the issues that matter to Rochester residents most: Safer Neighborhoods, Quality Housing and Equitable Access to Opportunity.
This focus will be heavily reflected in Council’s priorities when reviewing the Mayor’s upcoming 2024-25 City Budget.
While the pact includes five Councilmembers, all members are invited and welcome to join in the many ways City Council can work toward Safer Neighborhoods, Quality Housing and Equitable Access to Opportunity for every Rochesterian.
Click the link below to see City Council’s full “Pact With the People.”
ROC Against Gun Violence Tackles Crime Guns
Join Rochester City Councilmember Willie J. Lightfoot, Sr. and the ROC Against Gun Violence Coalition for the final date in a series of a series of meetings to review last year's breakthrough Gun Trace Data Report, and discuss the work the coalition has done to end the gun violence epidemic in Rochester
ROC-ing the Eclipse
It may have been cloudy during totality, but there was no raining on the City Council eclipse parade!
Equitable Employment Opportunities
To learn more about jobs with the City of Rochester, visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofrochester