City of Rochester Reports Progress on Housing Quality, Launches Homeownership Pilot Program

Mayor Malik D. Evans on Thursday announced major advances in the city’s effort to improve housing quality and expand access to homeownership, unveiling a new initiative to turn vacant properties into owner-occupied homes.

Mayor Malik Evans (at podium) give update on HQTF program

During a Housing Quality Task Force (HQTF) update at City Hall, Evans highlighted ongoing efforts to increase housing supply, enforce property maintenance laws, and invest in homeownership support.

“Our vision is simple: Every Rochesterian deserves access to safe, stable, and high-quality housing,” Evans said. “We’re investing in new housing, preparing families for homeownership, and making sure all property owners are part of the solution.”

Since 2022, Rochester has supported development of more than 3,000 affordable housing units, 850 market-rate rental units, and 450,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space. The City estimates these projects represent nearly $1.5 billion in affordable housing investment and $300 million in market-rate development.

Evans also introduced “Rehabilitate the Dream,” a pilot homeownership program that aims to turn vacant properties into renovated homes for owner-occupants. The initiative, developed in partnership with the Rochester Land Bank Corporation and HOME HeadQuarters, offers favorable mortgages, construction support, and financial subsidies to qualified buyers who commit to residing in the home for at least 15 years.

Interested buyers can view available properties at www.CityofRochester.gov/LandBank.

The City’s Office of Financial Empowerment is supporting the effort by providing financial counseling, rent reporting programs, and educational tools, including a new guide to building generational wealth through homeownership.

City officials also reported stronger code enforcement outcomes since the HQTF released its recommendations in June 2022. Highlights include a 35% increase in monthly housing code violation tickets, more than $500,000 in fines and court judgments collected over the past three years, and a nearly fully staffed code enforcement team.

A new City Law Clerk position was also added to assist legal action against chronic code violators, especially in cases involving lead hazards and expired certificates of occupancy.

The full list of completed HQTF actions is available at www.CityOfRochester.gov/HQTF.