City Provides Updates on Homeownership and Housing Efforts

Mayor Malik D. Evans was joined by City staff to provide an update on the City’s ongoing efforts to strengthen neighborhoods through quality rental housing, expanded homeownership opportunities, and innovative approaches to increasing Rochester’s housing supply. 

The update emphasized the importance of owner occupancy, not simply homeownership, and the role that both responsible homeowners and quality rental property owners play in creating strong and stable neighborhoods.

“Our goal is to create 100 new homes on 100 City-owned vacant lots, and with strong partnerships and a little creativity, we can get there,” Mayor Malik D. Evans said. “Strong property stewardship is the foundation of strong, healthy neighborhoods. When we invest in our homes, we invest in our neighborhoods, our families and the future of Rochester.”

The Mayor highlighted the City’s focus on innovative ways to create new homeownership opportunities, including:

• Manufactured housing: The City is testing factory-built housing to reduce construction costs and expand access to quality single-family homes. This pilot program will result in nine manufactured homes being built and delivered to selected sites within Rochester. The City has also partnered with the Rochester Land Bank Corporation on the state’s MOVE-IN NY initiative, which will bring 15 CrossMod homes to Rochester. Both initiatives will launch by the end of the year, with applications opening by summer 2027.    

• Rochester Roots: The Rochester Land Bank Corporation and development partners are creating 15 new, energy-efficient, affordable homes in the JOSANA neighborhood. The project is designed to help income-eligible Rochester residents become homeowners and build generational wealth. The Land Bank will begin accepting applications for these homes in early 2027.

• Rehabilitate the Dream: The program has helped rehabilitate and sell 10 Rochester Land Bank homes to new owner-occupants. Homes are currently available, with more homes expected to come online later this year.

• Buy The Block: The City initiative is wrapping up after helping build 56 new homes since 2023, giving 56 families the opportunity to become homeowners, invest in their homes, and strengthen their neighborhoods.

At the same time, the City continues to focus on quality rental housing and neighborhood stability. The update included major housing code enforcement successes, efforts to help residents remain safely in their homes, a continued effort to identify and engage qualified contractors, and homebuyer assistance programs that help residents successfully maintain homeownership.

“Housing is interconnected,” said Carol Wheeler, the City’s Manager of Housing. “Our housing strategy brings together code enforcement, homeownership, neighborhood and business development, community partners, schools, and other resources to address the full range of housing needs.”

The update reflects the City’s broader housing strategy: creating more opportunities for residents to become homeowners, supporting responsible property ownership and management, and ensuring Rochester has quality housing options for renters and homeowners alike.

For more information about these programs, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/housing.