Mayor Evans invites Rochester teens to join city and school leaders at inauguration youth forum on Jan. 21

Rochester, New York – As Mayor Malik D. Evans begins his second term leading the City of Rochester, he is once again turning his attention to one of the city’s most important voices: its youth. On Wednesday, Jan. 21, teens from across Rochester will have a chance to speak directly with city and school leaders during the Inauguration Youth Forum, an event designed to encourage open conversation, honest questions, and civic engagement among young residents.

The forum is open to youth ages 13 to 19 and will take place at 5 p.m. at the Theatre at Innovation Square, located at 131 Chestnut St. The event is being organized as part of the mayor’s inauguration activities and reflects an ongoing effort to bring young people into meaningful discussions about Rochester’s future.

Rather than a traditional speech-focused program, the Youth Forum is built around dialogue. The evening will feature a moderated panel discussion where teens can raise concerns, share ideas, and ask questions about issues that matter most to them. Topics are expected to touch on education, recreation, public safety, and opportunities for young people to play a role in shaping their communities.

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Moderating the conversation will be West Cuyler, Vice President of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, who has been actively involved in creating platforms for youth voices within city government. Joining him on the panel will be Mayor Evans, Dr. Shirley Green, Commissioner of the City’s Department of Recreation and Human Services, and Dr. Eric Jay Rosser, Superintendent of the Rochester City School District. Together, they will respond directly to questions from teens in attendance.

Mayor Evans said the forum aligns closely with the message he shared during his second inaugural address, where he emphasized collaboration and shared responsibility across the community. “In my second inaugural address, I called on community members to join in the spirit of collective action and unified purpose and work together to accomplish our greatest goals,” said Mayor Evans. “To our youth I say: you are an integral part of this effort. Bring your ideas for our city and raise your questions to City and school district leadership on Jan. 21. Working together is the Rochester way.”

The Jan. 21 event continues a practice the mayor began after his first inauguration in January 2022. At that time, he hosted a virtual teen town hall that focused on challenges facing young people, including violence prevention, education, and ways to strengthen youth involvement in community life. City officials say the continued focus on youth engagement reflects a belief that young residents should have a consistent role in public conversations, not just a symbolic one.

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For many teens, the Youth Forum represents a rare chance to speak directly with decision-makers in a setting designed specifically for them. Cuyler emphasized the importance of creating a space where young people feel heard and respected. “The Mayor’s Youth Forum gives young people a real seat at the table to speak honestly, ask tough questions, and be heard on the issues that affect our lives,” said Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council Vice President and Youth Forum Moderator West Cuyler. “I’m proud to lead a space that shows how passionate and committed Rochester’s youth are about shaping our city’s future.”

Youth who plan to attend are encouraged to RSVP in advance and can also submit questions ahead of time through the city’s website at www.CityofRochester.gov/MayorsYouthForum. City officials say advance submissions will help ensure a wide range of topics are addressed during the discussion.

As Rochester looks ahead under Mayor Evans’ renewed leadership, the Inauguration Youth Forum signals a continued commitment to listening to the city’s youngest residents and inviting them into the work of building a stronger, more connected community.