Investing in Rochester by investing in us.

Increase Truly Affordable Housing

Homeownership is one of the most effective ways to build stability and generational wealth in our city, yet for more than 65% of our community, it remains out of reach. When profit is not the motive, it’s possible to ensure deep affordability and ensure housing is accessible to those who need it most. We must use every tool available to create and preserve deeply affordable housing.

• Build New Affordable Units: Partner with the Rochester Housing Authority and the Rochester Land Bank to develop new affordable units funded through the Housing Trust Fund.

• Rehab Existing Homes: Rehabilitating existing properties to serve affordable housing needs is a cost-effective and sustainable way to expand our housing stock

• Low-Cost Manufactured Housing: Further increase affordable housing through the use of low-cost manufactured homes—a flexible, sustainable solution that provides quality housing at a fraction of traditional construction costs.

Provide Pathways to Ownership

Homeownership is one of the most powerful ways families can build wealth and create stability for future generations and neighborhoods become stronger. Implementing policies that expand ownership opportunities will give residents the tools and support they need to purchase homes.

• Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA): Under this initiative, renters can buy their homes if landlords decide to sell—preventing displacement and preserving affordability.

• Housing Trust Fund Support: Financial and technical assistance from the Housing Trust Fund will help more Rochester residents transition to ownership, keeping housing in the hands of those who live there.

• Community Land Trusts (CLTs): By placing land in trust and focusing on community stewardship rather than profit, CLTs keep housing permanently affordable while allowing families to build equity.

Implement Real Solutions to Homelessness

Prioritizing rapid, low-barrier housing offers people immediate stability so they can address mental health, addiction, or unemployment. Coupled with robust, individualized support services such as mental health care, addiction treatment, and job training, this Housing First model treats housing as a basic right, removing barriers and empowering people to rebuild their lives.

• Low Barrier Shelters: Create low-barrier shelters for individuals with mental health needs, substance use challenges, families, pets, and possessions.

• Eviction Prevention: Keeping people in their homes is key. Mary supports expanding rental assistance, legal support for tenants, and mediation between landlords and tenants. On City Council, she successfully advocated for Good Cause Eviction protections.

• Neighborhood Ambassador Program: Mary pushed for including Lyell Avenue and Monroe Avenue in this program, connecting unhoused individuals with resources and reducing visible homelessness.

Expand Community Responder Teams

Police are expected to respond to everything from mental health crises to noise complaints when their time and skills are best used addressing serious emergencies. By expanding our responder teams of trained civilians for nonviolent issues, we can free up the police to focus on high-priority calls, reduce unnecessary escalation, and ensure residents receive the specialized response they deserve—ultimately building trust and making our neighborhoods safer.

Mary serves on the Council on State Governments (CSG) Community Responder Model Commission, advising the federal government on best practices, as well as on the Community Safety Steering Committee of Local Progress. On City Council, Mary led the creation of the Person in Crisis (PIC) Team and spearheaded an implementation study for a new Community Public Safety Responder Team to handle non-violent and quality-of-life issues. 

Reduce Car Thefts

Rochester has experienced a staggering 350% increase in car thefts in 2023, leaving many of our families and neighborhoods feeling vulnerable and traumatized. We know enforcement alone won’t fix this crisis—especially when other cities like St. Paul, Minnesota are seeing success in decreasing car thefts by up to 40% by combining targeted police interventions with robust youth programs, accessible mental health resources, and community engagement initiatives.

Providing our young people with opportunities and supports will steer them toward a brighter future and reduce the cycle of crime. This forward-thinking, community-first approach includes offering:

• Free youth sports and after-school programming

• Free rides to school and mental health appointments 

• Skill-building workshops, provide support for applying for jobs, and mentorship

• Support to increase literacy 

Increase Investment in Violence Prevention

Addressing the root causes of violence and interrupting cycles of harm not only saves lives but strengthens neighborhoods and builds trust between residents and public institutions. Violence often stems from systemic inequities—poverty, lack of opportunities, untreated trauma, and community disconnection. Intervening before violence occurs is far more cost-effective than enforcement alone and yields better long-term outcomes, including reduced repeat offenses and increased community stability.

As a City Councilmember, Mary successfully advocated to bring the Advance Peace Peacemaker Fellowship to Rochester. This program focuses on individuals most likely to commit or fall victim to gun violence, providing daily mentorship, job training, education, and behavioral therapy. Cities like Sacramento, Stockton, and Richmond, California, have seen dramatic reductions in gun violence—up to 80%—through Advance Peace.

Expand Guaranteed Income Program

A guaranteed income program has the power to transform lives by providing financial stability to those who need it most. Expanding Rochester’s guaranteed income program- providing regular, no-strings-attached cash payments to cover basic needs, will enable it to reach more families and individuals will help address poverty, reduce inequality, and create a stronger, more resilient community. 

Data from similar programs shows that recipients use these funds to pay bills, secure better jobs, and reduce the need for multiple jobs—allowing them to spend more time with their families and engage in their children's education—leading to long-term stability and success.

Support Small Businesses

Small businesses are the backbone of Rochester’s economy, providing jobs, fostering innovation, and creating vibrant neighborhoods. 

• Expand Technical Assistance Programs: Streamline processes with new technology to make it easier for new and existing businesses to navigate city systems.

• Access to Capital: Expand funding opportunities through low-interest loans, grants, and partnerships with local banks and credit unions.

• Utilize Local Business for City Contracts: Prioritize local businesses that keep our dollars circulating in Rochester and make our city unique.

Focus Investment in Our Neighborhoods

Communities thrive when city resources align with resident-led solutions, creating a Rochester where every neighborhood is valued and every voice is heard.

• Resident-Led Solutions: Partner directly with residents to invest in projects they design, establishing participatory budgeting programs that give communities control over public funds.

• Building Trust: Listen to neighborhood voices and funding their ideas—like safer streets, park expansions, or local business supports—fosters resilience and ensures every community has a path to thrive.