Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans delivered the first State of the City Address of his second term, emphasizing that the city is resilient, robust, and ready for continued growth. He described progress made during his first term, including the creation of unprecedented partnerships that addressed pandemic challenges and strengthened partnerships that help residents and employers reach new heights of potential and success.
Mayor Evans highlighted dramatic reductions in violent crime and gun violence as a clear example of that resilience through collaboration. By the end of 2025, nearly all gun violence metrics had fallen to their lowest levels since 2018 and were down almost 60% compared to 2021. He also pointed to the Roc Resilience Roundtable as an example of how the city and its partners are continuing to build resilience through collaboration, alongside initiatives such as Neighbors in Action and the city’s Lifeguard Development Course. The Mayor underscored a continued focus on youth through programs such as the ROC Youth Employment Network, ROC MBK Summer Scholars, and Mentor Up.
The Mayor also emphasized the city’s progress in promoting economic mobility through housing and job creation. Since 2022, Rochester has completed or started more than 3,200 affordable rental units, representing over $1.5 billion in investment, while attracting more than $180 million in business investment and supporting a planned $390 million project by Reju at Eastman Business Park that will create nearly 100 jobs. He highlighted efforts to expand homeownership and generational wealth through programs such as Buy the Block, Rochester Roots, HOME Rochester, and first-time homebuyer grants, with the city on track to help nearly 400 new families achieve homeownership by the summer of 2027.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
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