Rochester Reporter

The City of Rochester's Housing Quality Task Force Expands Focus to Homeownership

(Wednesday, June 5, 2024) – After two years of addressing the needs of renters and landlords in Rochester, Mayor Malik D. Evans has directed the Housing Quality Task Force to create partnerships, enhance City programs, and align efforts with state, county, and partner organizations to increase homeownership opportunities and better support existing homeowners.

“Owning a home is one of the fundamental ways that families build wealth and provide stability for generations to come,” Mayor Evans said. “We need to focus efforts on helping those who own their homes make the most of its increased value and prepare renters to become homeowners so they can put down roots and invest in themselves and the city.”

The Rochester Housing Quality Task Force was convened in February 2022 with a mandate to develop policies and programs within 90 days to improve housing quality in Rochester. Since then, the City has adopted a Landlord-Tenant Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, hired additional code enforcement staff, launched an online property management portal, and compiled a vacant property database. The City's Buy The Block program and the Rochester Land Bank have worked to increase the supply of quality housing. A significant change has been the creation of a cross-functional City team, including a dedicated housing attorney, targeting habitually non-compliant landlords and long-standing Certificate of Occupancy and code violation cases.

Having achieved these successes, the Housing Quality Task Force now has 60 business days to expand its focus on increasing homeownership. This includes identifying strategies for supporting current homeowners and inviting new partners to participate. For more information about the Rochester Housing Quality Task Force, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/hqtf.

For more information, contact Communications Director Barbara Pierce at Barbara.Pierce@cityofrochester.gov.

The Administration of Mayor Malik D. Evans strives to create a safe, equitable, and prosperous Rochester by inspiring hope and delivering opportunity for everyone. Guided by the Administration’s Mission, Vision, Values, and principles of the “Rochester2034” comprehensive plan, City employees are committed to providing exceptional customer service, transparent stewardship, and collaborative leadership to foster a vibrant community that empowers personal, professional, and generational growth for all who live, work or play in Rochester.

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