Rochester budget team continues community outreach Wednesday at ROC the Block job fair with residents invited to share their priorities

Rochester, New York – Residents of Rochester will have another opportunity this week to share their thoughts on the city’s budget as members of the Office of Management and Budget continue a series of in-person community outreach sessions.

City budget officials will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, during the ROC the Block Community Employment Fair at Parcel 5, located at 285 E. Main St. The event will give residents a chance to speak directly with members of the city’s budget team while also taking part in a community employment event.

The outreach program is part of Rochester’s annual budget process. City officials are using a series of public events to gather comments from residents about spending priorities and other issues they believe should be considered as the next budget is developed.

Rather than holding all of the discussions in traditional government settings, the city is bringing the budget outreach directly into community events. The approach allows residents to offer their opinions while attending activities they may already be planning to visit.

Read also: Henrietta Fire District schedules public hearing on proposed 2027 budget for October 20

The in-person sessions will continue through Oct. 10, with several additional opportunities scheduled at locations around Rochester.

The next event after Wednesday’s ROC the Block job fair will be the MVP Healthcare Fall Festival. That session is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, also at Parcel 5 on East Main Street.

Budget officials will then attend the Westside Farmers Market from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6. The market is held in the parking lot of St. Monica’s Church at 831 Genesee St.

The final currently scheduled in-person session will take place during the Rochester Public Market Thursday Market Day. Residents can provide feedback from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at 280 N. Union St.

The city is also offering residents ways to participate without attending one of the in-person events.

An online survey is available through the city’s budget website and will remain open through Nov. 9. Residents can use the survey to provide their views on budget priorities and other aspects of the annual planning process.

Another option will come later in October through a Telephone Town Hall community forum. The event is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 26, and will allow thousands of Rochester residents to take part in a live conversation about the city’s budget planning by phone.

Read also: New technical theatre pathways course helps RIT students discover behind-the-scenes performing arts opportunities

Mayor Evans and senior members of his staff are expected to participate in the Telephone Town Hall, giving residents an opportunity to hear directly from city officials and provide input during the discussion.

Together, the in-person meetings, online survey and telephone forum are intended to give Rochester residents several ways to participate in the budget process. The city is encouraging residents who want their views considered to use whichever option is most convenient.

More information about the annual budget process, the online survey and registration for the Telephone Town Hall is available through the City of Rochester’s budget website.