Building Rochester’s Momentum Together: Highlights from the 2025 State of the City

On April 23, Mayor Malik D. Evans delivered the 2025 State of the City Address at Arbor at the Port inside the historic William A. Johnson Jr. Terminal Building. Speaking to a full room, he outlined how Rochester is gaining new momentum, driven by the collective efforts of residents, businesses, and community partners working together to build a safer, more equitable, and more prosperous city. OneROC was honored to be represented alongside the leaders and partners committed to advancing Rochester’s progress.

Quoting Arthur Ashe – "To achieve greatness, start where you are; use what you have; do what you can" – Mayor Evans emphasized that lasting change is built through collaboration and persistence. A central theme throughout his remarks was clear: "this is we, not me." Rochester’s momentum is not the work of any one person or institution, but the collective strength of residents, leaders, businesses, nonprofits, and partners working together.

The address highlighted major strides in neighborhood investment, housing quality, youth engagement, and economic growth, including: • Investments in safe, quality housing and a commitment to creating pathways to homeownership. • Continued revitalization of Rochester’s riverfront, neighborhoods, and historic commercial corridors.

• Support for youth opportunity programs and a focus on financial empowerment. • A unified city and county approach to advocacy and investment, setting Rochester apart at the state level.

"Rochester is gaining a new momentum because our city’s greatest resource, the people of Rochester – all the people of Rochester – are working together to build that momentum."

The Mayor’s message mirrors broader efforts across the region to accelerate progress through shared investment, coordinated strategy, and collaborative initiatives. OneROC’s work to align partners and invest in regional priorities, including efforts like the Regional Revitalization Partnership and NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub, is done in this same spirit of collective action.

OneROC is proud to partner with the City of Rochester and we look forward to continuing to work with the Mayor and his team to drive momentum in our downtown and across the region.

Missed the State of the City? Watch the full recording or view the transcript here.