This weekend on In Focus, we open a conversation on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
JoDee Kenney sat down with Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, who reflected on the opportunity to continue in the footsteps of those who came before him. That includes, Mayor Evans said, setting an example for the younger generation and working to engage and mentor students to become involved in public service. Evans said his goal is to bring people together in Rochester to leave the city better than he found it when he took office in 2022.
JoDee asked Evans about Rochester’s ‘Buy the Block’ program, which is developing vacant city lots to become single-family homes at affordable prices. Evans said this provides an avenue for people to build generational wealth, in addition to building pride in their neighborhood. Evans also talked about the Mayor’s Office of Financial Empowerment, which assists entrepreneurs looking to establish or grow their businesses in Rochester, as well as educating young people about banking and investing. Later this year, Evans said, the city plans to launch a children’s savings program, establishing accounts for every student entering kindergarten. The mayor credited partnerships with state and federal law enforcement for helping reduce crime in Rochester. Just as important, Evans said, are workforce development programs that also serve to prevent violence.
Mayor Evans also encouraged people to take the upcoming Rochester Fire Department civil service exam. You can find more information and apply here.
You can watch the full interview with Mayor Evans above. And be sure to tune in for a look inside the biggest issues impacting upstate New York, on In Focus with JoDee Kenney — every Sunday on Spectrum News 1.