Monroe County Executive Adam Bello delivered the third part of his four-part State of the County Address on Monday, with a focus on workforce and economic development.

Among the highlights included lowered microloan rates for small businesses, small business sales tax exemptions, investments in the COMIDA Workforce Development Fund and new pilot partnership with RGRTA and DHS in an effort to remove barriers to transportation.

“Monroe County’s economic success hinges on our ability to nurture and expand our diverse workforce, while simultaneously create an environment where entrepreneurs have the resources they need to achieve their dreams, and where businesses both large and small can thrive,” Bello said in a statement. “We will continue to bolster our workforce to meet the needs of companies like Amazon, Constellation, and fairlife who recognize that Monroe County is a great place to do business and are investing billions in our economy. Today I am announcing an expansion of the RETAIN program to keep top young talent from our many great universities here in Monroe County. Additionally, we are removing transportation barriers for job seekers and launching new programs to help small business owners who serve as the backbone of our local economy.”

The Rochester Emerging Talent and Innovations Network (RETAIN) will increase grant payments from $2,000 to $4,000 for recent graduates. The pilot initiative aims to keep top talent in the area after they graduate. 

Bello also touted $5.3 million in COMIDA workforce development investments. He also announced that COMIDA is launching a sales and use tax exemption program designed to support small business owners embarking on small capital projects.

The county executive will deliver his final State of the County address on Monday, June 24 by spotlighting infrastructure. 

The full State of Workforce and Economic Development can be found below: