January Legislative Update
Dear Friends,
The last few weeks have been tough. The next ones will continue to be. I’ve found solace in Ezra Klein’s “Don’t Believe Him.” If you haven’t watched it yet, let me summarize with a quote: “What Trump wants you to see in all this activity is command. What is really in all this activity is chaos.”
As we all sort through the chaos, it’s important to focus on what is within our control — to continue making Rochester a better place for everyone who lives here. To that end, I want to share two events that I am participating in this week:
-
Even as the Senate considers RFK Jr for Health and Human Services Secretary, it’s important to reinforce that we are fortunate to have a world-class water system. On Tuesday, the 11th, join me and Mayor Evans for this webinar.
-
Regardless of what happens in Washington DC, we have the authority to make our streets safer. I’m proud to be leading our Rochester Vision Zero initiative, and I encourage you to come learn more at this forum on Wednesday, the 12th.
Here is a brief legislative update on some items we passed last month that will help us continue building towards a healthier community:
-
Neighbors In Action (NIA) is a community engagement effort that provides an opportunity for neighbors to come together, make a plan, and take action to improve their neighborhoods. To learn more about this funding opportunity, check out the information on the City’s website and at this article, Mayor Evans Introduces Partners in City’s Neighbors In Action (NIA) Effort.
-
Last week, at the January Council Meeting, we passed legislation to finally fund our Housing Trust Fund, which will be known as the Rochester Housing Stability Fund (RHSF). It is a nonprofit that will give us increased flexibility to create more opportunities for affordable housing. To read the full legislation follow the link above and scroll to page 7.
Beth and I had a great time last week participating in World Read Aloud Day at School 33. We got to see some performances from students in their extra-curricular programs, and then spend some quality time with students in their classroom, talking to them about our work, and reading with them. It’s the kind of morning that gives us inspiration to keep pushing forward.
As always, I am here to listen to your ideas and concerns, and if you have time and want a way to plug in and contribute to improving what is within our control in Rochester – please reach out.
In service,
