Key Issues
I am focused on developing legislation that makes our community healthier, safer and more vibrant. I am a student of good government and I regularly look to other municipalities to bring best practices here. The list below is not exhaustive, but represents some of the work I am prioritizing if elected to a new term.
Demand New Investment in Rochester
Rochester must raise new revenues from organizations and institutions that are well-resourced, rely on our city, and do not invest enough in our municipal budget.
In the last several years, I joined City leadership in asking the University of Rochester for a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT). Cities and universities have come to agreements for PILOTs across the country, but no such agreement has been struck in Rochester. Due to federal laws, a PILOT would need to be voluntary. Moving forward, I will draft legislation, host public forums, and ensure that we have effective public discourse about the reasons for our Universities to pay PILOTs.
Create Safer Streets for All
I worked with Reconnect Rochester and Mayor Evans to develop Rochester’s Vision Zero plan in July ’24. This plan came after we saw a large increase in pedestrian fatalities, and we needed a blueprint to make our streets safer. Vision Zero was first developed in NYC, and included participation from many departments across City Hall as well as a wide range of community members.
Rochester’s Vision Zero plan has already started, and we quickly leveraged the plan into more than $20M in grants from the federal government. I am committed to seeing the whole plan to fruition, which can be seen here: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/departments/department-environmental-services/roc-vision-zero
Finalize the Zoning Alignment Project and Lead a Charter Review Commission
After years of public engagement, the Zoning Alignment Plan is very close to finalization. I will work to ensure that the new plan fosters density and growth, and also brings us into the 21st century. We need to have plans to regulate short-term rentals, quicken the building of more units like ADUs, and facilitate usage of vacant lots. I have been working on these issues for years, and I look forward to bring the final ZAP to fruition.
The completion of this plan should also trigger a full review of our Charter, which has not been completed in decades. As the Chair of Budget, Finance, and Governance, I will look to lead that review commission.
In addition to these issues, I will always be responsive to emerging needs and the voice of constituents.
That is why I worked hard in my first term to help create citizen-led policy committees on the topics of food justice and active transportation.
