Rochester City Council January Newsletter
From President Miguel A. Meléndez, Jr.:
As I begin my second term as President of Rochester City Council, I am humbled and honored by the faith my colleagues and constituents have placed in me to lead this body during a time of great challenge — and even greater opportunity — in our City.
First, I’d like to thank God for placing me in a position to effect positive change in Rochester, and my family for their continued support throughout the ups, downs and sleepless nights that come in tandem with this job. Every day, I choose to press forward in the hopes that we can create a better Rochester for my children, and all the children growing up in our City.
Looking back at the past two years, I’m proud of what this Council has accomplished since I first took office. We restructured the City Council staffing model in order to better serve our constituents, and expand our reach to the most underserved members of our community; we continue to evaluate and improve our community engagement strategies to ensure there are multiple opportunities to hear from you, our constituents; we have shined a new light on the gun violence epidemic with Councilmember Willie Lightfoot and Brady’s groundbreaking Gun Trace Data Report and the subsequent Roc Against Gun Violence Coalition 2023 Solutions Action Plan; and we continue to take steps to ensure our streets remain safe, our schools become stronger and our workforce keeps its access to secure jobs.
Looking forward, I’m bolstered by my confidence in this Council, my colleagues and the values we fight to uphold in this City of Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony — But I know there is still much work to be done.
We must renew our focus on the opioid epidemic, and fulfill our responsibility to channel federal funding toward the fight to keep our streets safe.
We must prioritize affordable housing and housing rehabilitation, unburdening our City’s families so they can place more of their focus on taking a crucial role in the upbringing and education of our youth.
We must prepare our existing and future workforce for the wave of opportunities that will reach our city in tech and other fast-growing sectors.
Although these tasks may seem tall, I’m certain we can rise to the challenge and continue to create opportunities that improve the quality of life of all Rochesterians. But neither I, nor City Council, can handle this workload alone.
We will rely on our partners in grassroots leadership and neighborhood organizations. We will ensure the voices of our most disadvantaged residents are heard. We will put you, the people of Rochester, first.
Going forward, I’ll continue to lean into every challenge and take hold of every opportunity that comes our way, emboldened by the impact this work will have in creating a Rochester that’s future-focused — with an emphasis on building a stronger tomorrow for our children. We need your help to achieve this, and we are privileged and honored to serve you.
LaShay D. Harris Chosen as City Council Vice President
Councilmember LaShay D. Harris was sworn in for a new term representing Rochester’s South District this month. At the subsequent Rochester City Council Reorganization meeting, Harris was elected Vice President of Council.
In her remarks, the Vice President thanked her colleagues for their vote of confidence, and promised that City Council would work to better the lives of Rochester residents.
“I will tell you, the City of Rochester, we’re going to get our stuff together,” Vice President Harris said. “One way or another, it’s gonna happen. We’re gonna get this city together — collectively.”
District Councilmembers Sworn In
Michael A. Patterson
Councilmember Michael A. Patterson was sworn in for a new term representing Rochester’s Northeast District this month. During his remarks, the Councilmember zeroed in on the duty of elected officials to meet any and every challenge.
“We don’t always know the challenges that we’ll face,” Councilmember Patterson said. “But, you know, part of the job of being an elected official is rising to the challenge — and having the courage to step forward.”
Mary Lupien
Councilmember Mary Lupien was sworn in this month for a new term representing the East District on Rochester City Council. In her remarks, the Councilmember underscored the importance of serving Rochester’s youth.
“As I begin my second term, I am filled with this deep sense of responsibility and commitment to serve you all with courage and integrity,” Councilmember Lupien said. “We must cultivate meaningful connections and opportunities for our youth — to prevent violence and foster their success and fulfillment.”
Bridget Monroe
Newly elected Northwest District Rochester City Councilmember Bridget Monroe was sworn in this month. During her remarks, the Councilmember recalled her time working on the City Council staff, and mused on her return to City Hall and the City Council Chambers.
“I cannot stress enough how personally meaningful it is for me to be back at City Hall,” Councilmember Monroe said. “And returning in this capacity as a City Councilmember is about as good as it gets.”
Concerned About Your Assessment?
Please call 311 before February 9th to set up an appointment to have your home assessment reviewed.
En Español
Favor de Llamar al 311 antes del 9 de febrero asi puedes pedir una cita para que revisen la evaluación de su vivienda.