In his third State of the City Address, Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans highlighted progress on public safety, housing, and neighborhood revitalization, emphasizing a citywide momentum driven by community collaboration and shared purpose.
Public safety remains a top priority for Mayor Evans’ administration, and the city is experiencing significant improvements. From 2021 to 2024, shootings have dropped by 53%, shooting injuries by 51%, and fatal shootings by 49%, with a dramatic decline in fatal shootings involving youth, down from seven in 2022 to just one in 2024. These trends reflect both targeted enforcement and strengthened community relationships, particularly in neighborhoods such as Lyell-Otis, Edgerton, and Maplewood, where residents are partnering with police to foster safer streets and vibrant local spaces.
Mayor Evans also outlined the city’s major strides in its commitment to equitable housing. Initiatives from the 2022 Housing Quality Task Force report have expanded housing code enforcement, streamlined compliance processes, and added a dedicated housing attorney to prosecute negligent landlords. The city’s zero-tolerance approach is prompting property owners to either meet standards or exit the market, helping reduce blight and improve living conditions.
To combat housing instability and support economic mobility, Rochester is implementing a comprehensive strategy that encompasses affordable rentals, market-rate development, and expanded pathways to homeownership. Mayor Evans noted that far too many residents are rent-burdened and emphasized the city’s continued efforts to create secure, stable housing as a foundation for opportunity and prosperity.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
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