Rochester City Council June Newsletter

Jun 25, 2025

From President President Miguel A. Meléndez, Jr.

This week, City Council voted 6-3 to adopt Mayor Evans’ $680 million 2025-26 budget. This budget prioritizes key City services and moves us forward into a time without ARPA funds, all while avoiding layoffs and significant negative impacts.

There is still much work ahead, but I’m proud to deliver a balanced budget that centers on what matters most: safer neighborhoods, quality housing and equitable access to opportunity for every Rochesterian. In a time of growing uncertainty at the federal level, it is more important than ever for local government to continue to invest in the core needs of our residents and ensure that every family has the foundation to thrive. Throughout this budget process, we’ve listened to voices from every corner of our community, and this budget reflects our ongoing commitment to build a stronger, more equitable Rochester for today’s families and for generations to come.

This year’s budget is about $27 million smaller than the 2024-25 budget, but remains centered on the issues that matter most to Rochesterians.

Alongside the budget, Council unanimously approved $1 million toward affordable housing, housing programs, community development, neighborhood safety, family services and youth development; $220,000 for programs that assist homeowners with urgent repairs and help seniors safely age in place; $80,000 toward the development of the Thomas P. Ryan R-Center playground; $63,000 to support youth jobs for summer literacy programs; and $45,000 towards the City’s Culture and Heritage Committees, which includes the creation of an LGBTQIA+ Culture and Heritage Committee.

In a time when our city’s LGBTQIA+ and immigrant communities are under attack, Council has also taken steps to ensure the safety and security of all Rochesterians. Prior to the approval of the budget, we voted unanimously to allocate $250,000 toward housing and emergency assistance for the Rochester LGBTQIA+, immigrant and refugee communities.

I look forward to the work we have ahead, knowing that significant gaps remain and that there are broad areas for improvement within City government. But, as we move ahead into the new fiscal year, I will continue to prioritize the issues which matter most to City residents -- Safer Neighborhoods, Quality Housing and Equitable Access to Opportunity.

Council Approves Mayor Evans’ $680 Million Budget

Rochester City Council last week approved the Mayor’s $680 million 2025-26 City Budget in a 6-3 vote. President Meléndez, Vice President Harris and Councilmembers Gruber, Lightfoot, Monroe and Patterson each voted in favor of the budget.

“There is still much work to do, but I’m proud to pass a balanced budget which continues to prioritize our essential city services, resources for neighborhoods, housing and infrastructure projects, and access to opportunities for our residents,” said President Miguel A. Meléndez, Jr. “Throughout this year’s budget process, we have heard from Rochesterians from all walks of life, and we remain committed to building a Rochester for our families and our children with equity in mind.”

The budget totals $680,455,000, a decrease of about $27 million from last year’s adopted budget. Undistributed funds account for the largest portion of expenses in the budget, followed by the Rochester Police Department and the City’s Department of Environmental Services.

“This budget reflects the hard work of City Council, the Mayor and his administration to build a budget that keeps Rochester moving forward without major sacrifice,” City Council Finance Chair Mitch Gruber said. “In a year when the City will cease to receive ARPA funds, this budget maintains all key services and avoids layoffs.”

Prior to the passage of the budget, City Council voted to add three resolutions of budgetary intent, including $1 million toward affordable housing, community development, neighborhood safety, family services and youth development.

Additionally, Council approved $250,000 toward housing and emergency assistance for the Rochester LGBTQIA+, immigrant and refugee communities.

Other funding approvals include $220,000 for programs that assist homeowners with urgent repairs and help seniors safely age in place; $80,000 toward the development of the Thomas P. Ryan R-Center playground spearheaded by President Meléndez; $63,000 to support youth jobs for summer literacy programs; and $45,000 towards the City’s Culture and Heritage Committees, which includes the creation of an LGBTQIA+ Culture and Heritage Committee.

“I am pleased that this budget reflects our continued commitment to supporting Rochester’s children, seniors, and families” Council Vice President LaShay D. Harris said. “Through these investments, we remain focused on making sure that as our city grows, every resident, especially those who have been historically underserved, has access to the opportunities that allow them to thrive.”

The budget will be enacted and take effect on July 1, 2025. Council also voted 7-0 with two abstentions to approve the Rochester City School District budget. The vote, however, is mostly symbolic as the Board of Education previously passed the RCSD spending plan, and City Council’s action has no bearing on funding for the school district.

rochester_city_council

A post shared by @rochester_city_council

A City so Nice, We Celebrate Pride Twice

Do you know your Pride flags?

This month (and for Rochester Pride in July) City Council is highlighting the local LGBTQIA+ community.

Each flag, color and symbol represents a unique identity and story. Together, they reflect the strength, resilience and vibrant voices that make up the LGBTQIA+ community.

Take a look at these common Pride flags and go to hrc.org/resources/lgbtq-pride-flags to learn their meanings, and join us in recognizing and uplifting LGBTQIA+ individuals this month and always.

ROC the Block