Mayor Evans joins city leaders and community partners in celebrating five years of financial support through the Rochester Financial Empowerment Center

Rochester, New York – A moment of pride and progress echoed through City Hall this week as Mayor Malik D. Evans joined community leaders and partners to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Rochester Financial Empowerment Center (FEC). Since its creation in 2019, the FEC has become a critical resource for thousands of city residents, offering free and confidential financial counseling aimed at helping people build a more secure and stable future.

“This is more than a milestone—it’s a movement,” said Mayor Evans. “Financial empowerment is about creating a city where people are not just surviving but thriving. Thanks to the Rochester FEC, families are finding peace of mind, reaching long-term goals, and building generational wealth. This program proves that when we invest in people, we all win.”

The FEC operates under the Mayor’s Office of Financial Empowerment in partnership with The Housing Council at PathStone. Together, they provide one-on-one support for anyone in the city who needs help managing their money, improving their credit, or planning for long-term goals. And the best part? It’s all free, with no judgment attached.

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Over the past five years, the numbers have told a powerful story. More than 3,000 residents have received personalized counseling. Collectively, they’ve reduced debt by over $5 million and boosted their savings by more than $2 million. On top of that, around 600 participants have seen a 35% improvement in their credit scores—an achievement that can open doors to everything from better housing to small business loans.

The guidance offered by FEC counselors covers a wide range of essential topics: budgeting, reducing debt, opening bank accounts, building credit, and setting up savings plans. But the FEC’s impact stretches beyond just advice—it’s tied into larger City efforts like the First-Time Homebuyers program, the Buy the Block initiative, and even the Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) pilot. These connections make financial support part of a broader strategy for building stronger communities.

Mayor Evans praised the collaborative spirit that has fueled the FEC’s success, pointing to the critical role of community organizations and the dedication of financial counselors on the ground. He emphasized that the center is not just helping people with numbers—it’s helping them find peace of mind.

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As the FEC enters its next chapter, City officials remain committed to expanding access and deepening its impact across Rochester neighborhoods. The goal is simple but ambitious: give every resident the tools they need to take control of their finances and build a brighter future.

To learn more or book a session with a counselor, visit www.CityofRochester.Gov/FEC.