City of Rochester, New York

YouTube video by City of Rochester City residents share input on shaping the budget

What matters most to you?

Our budget team will be at Tuesday's Westside Farmer’s Market, seeking public input for next year’s spending priorities. You can also help us by taking the online budget survey!

Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/budget

The Latin Block Party at the International Plaza this weekend brought together music, dancing, food, and community spirit!

The fun continues Sunday with the Hispanic Heritage Month Closing Celebration at the Plaza — don’t miss it!

Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/HispanicHeritage

Gladys’ House is now open! A new emergency supportive housing program for pregnant teens and young mothers.

Founded by Dr. Barbara Thomas and named for her mother, Gladys Pitts, the home will provide a safe space for young women to grow, learn, and build independence.

YouTube video by City of Rochester KABOOM! playground ribbon cutting at Thomas P. Ryan R-Center

A new playground is open at the Thomas P. Ryan R-Center!

This community-driven project brought neighbors, families, and kids together to design and build a play space of their dreams — right in their neighborhood.

Check out what happened in the City of Rochester this week.

Rochester professionals, the Mayor's Mentor Up program is your opportunity to give back!

Connect with youth ages 14-18 to share your career experiences and learn from their fresh perspectives at the upcoming Winter Gala.

Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/MentorUp

Get spooky at the Market!

Join us for a Halloween celebration at the Public Market on Sunday, October 26, for trick-or-treating, crafts, entertainment, and family fun! Free admission — costumes encouraged!

Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/markethalloween

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

This morning, we joined community leaders to release the 2024 Monroe County DV Report. Together, we can break the cycle of abuse by raising awareness, supporting survivors, and rejecting violence.

Last week, we helped unveil a historic marker for the legendary Pythodd Club in Rochester. To celebrate that milestone, here’s a rare 1993 Pythodd Reunion video: Freddy Cole performing “I’m Not My Brother, I’m Me.”

Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/pythoddroom

FAFSA Fest is here!

Rochester high school students can get free help with FAFSA and TAP forms, scholarships, and college opportunities. College dreams start here!

Learn more: rochestereducation.org/fafsa-fest

The new SUNY ATTAIN Lab at the Loretta C. Scott Center is now open!

This free resource offers 24 computer stations, Wi-Fi, digital literacy programs, GED prep, industry certifications, ESL, and more — all with one-on-one support to help Rochesterians build skills and advance careers.

We celebrated the grand opening of The Neisner at East End this morning!

These new apartments blend Rochester’s history with modern living, featuring studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments, plus shared spaces like a lounge, study area, fitness center, and even a dog spa.

Rochester was named the #2 Best City for Fall in USA Today’s national poll!

From our vibrant foliage and scenic parks to our seasonal festivals and food, Rochester shines in autumn.

Learn more: 10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-place-to-visit-for-fall/

We celebrated our colleagues at the 2025 City of Rochester Employee Recognition Awards!

Congratulations to those who go above and beyond each day — your dedication and teamwork truly move Rochester forward.

More photos: cityofrochester.gov/employee-awards-2025

2025 HBCU Football Classic — the sights, the sounds, the spirit.

Thank you to the sponsors, teams, and community for making this an unforgettable experience!

Today’s HBCU Football Classic was electric!

From football and food to music and community pride, thank you to everyone who made this event an absolute classic.

A new historic marker now honors the legendary Pythodd Room at Clarissa & Troup — once Rochester’s hottest jazz club, where local and national artists made history!

Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/pythoddroom

Yesterday, we gathered at School No. 33 to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Iris J. Banister with a renaming ceremony.

Dr. Banister was a devoted educator, advocate, and activist who spent decades empowering Rochester’s young people, women, and families.

Yesterday, Rochester students packed the Blue Cross Arena for the HBCU College Expo!

More than 25 HBCUs offered on-the-spot applications, acceptances, and scholarships. The energy continues tomorrow at the HBCU Football Classic!

Learn more: fdhbcuclassic.com

This week, we welcomed new and returning volunteers for the 2025-26 Pillars of Hope program!

For nearly 20 years, these "Pillars" have served as mentors and role models for Rochester’s youth.

Learn more: Cityofrochester.gov/pillars

Fireworks on the Genesee!

Join us downtown Saturday as we light up the night for the Erie Canal Bicentennial and ROC the Riverway Weekend.

The show begins at 8 p.m. just south of the Frederick Douglass Susan B Anthony Bridge.

After 30 years of service, Rochester bids farewell to longtime City Assessor Mike “Zasa” Zazzara as he rides into retirement.

Thank you, Mike, for helping generations of residents understand the value of their homes with patience, humor, and heart. Enjoy the open road — you’ve earned it!

Heading to the HBCU Classic Saturday?

Enjoy free parking and shuttles at Sister Cities & High Falls garages. VIP parking is in Lot B, tailgate parking in Lot C, and $7 parking at Innovative Field. Ride-share drop-off is on Broad St.

Learn more: fdhbcuclassic.com/parking

Mayor Evans and his senior management team spent yesterday afternoon in the Upper Monroe neighborhood for our latest Mayor on the Block visit.

These walks are about listening, connecting, and working together to make every Rochester neighborhood stronger.

Meet a few of the folks behind Rochester’s budget!

Our budget team will be at community events this fall, listening to your ideas and input for next year’s budget. First stop: ROC The Block at Parcel 5 tomorrow. Stop by and say hello!

Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/budget

Our final Food Truck Rodeo of the year is tomorrow night at the Public Market!

Come hungry, enjoy live music, and celebrate one last rodeo of 2025 with Rochester’s favorite food trucks.

Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/foodtruckrodeo

Looking for your next opportunity? Join us tomorrow at Parcel 5 for the ROC the Block Community Employment Fair! Connect with local employers, explore career resources, and take your next step forward.

Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/workforcedevelopment

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Shanah Tovah!

Wishing all who celebrate a happy and healthy Rosh Hashanah

Exciting news for Rochester: A new partnership with Monroe County and Community Broadband Networks (CBN) is set to expand affordable, reliable high-speed internet to underserved neighborhoods.

Learn more: monroecounty.gov/news-2025-09-22-broadband

Experience the magic of the Genesee!

ROC the Riverway Weekend returns this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with a fireworks show, boat rides, guided tours, and more along the waterway that built our city.

Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/RTRW