State Budget Delivers Historic $2 Million Investment for Baden Street Settlement

Members of Rochester's Democratic state legislative delegation gathered Monday to highlight what they describe as major victories for Rochester and Monroe County in New York's FY2027 state budget, including a historic $2 million capital investment in Baden Street Settlement and $300 million for the Rochester-Monroe Transformation Initiative.

The lawmakers said the budget delivers funding aimed at addressing affordability, housing shortages, child care access, public safety and economic development while bringing significant resources back to the Rochester region.

Among the local investments announced, legislators pointed to a $2 million capital allocation for Baden Street Settlement, one of Rochester's oldest and most prominent community organizations serving residents in the city's northeast neighborhoods.

The funding is intended to strengthen and expand Baden Street's facilities and services, allowing the organization to continue its role as a critical provider of youth programming, workforce development, family support services and community-based initiatives.

Lawmakers described the investment as historic and said it reflects the state's recognition of the organization's long-standing impact on some of Rochester's most underserved communities.

"Baden Street Settlement has been a cornerstone institution for generations of Rochester families," Assemblymember Harry Bronson said. "This investment ensures the organization can continue meeting community needs while expanding opportunities for residents and families."

The funding comes as many human-service organizations face growing demand for services amid rising housing, food and utility costs.

The delegation also touted a separate $300 million commitment to the Rochester-Monroe Transformation Initiative, which is expected to support redevelopment efforts in the High Falls and downtown stadium districts. State officials say the initiative is designed to boost tourism, stimulate economic development and spur broader neighborhood revitalization.

Additional local investments include a $20 million universal child care pilot program in Monroe County and an increase in state aid for municipalities through Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM) funding. Rochester is expected to receive support through both the state's base AIM program and an additional allocation through the severely distressed cities fund.

Beyond local spending projects, lawmakers highlighted several statewide policy initiatives included in the budget:

• A 2% increase in Foundation Aid for public schools.

• Reforms to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) aimed at accelerating housing construction.

• New measures intended to increase oversight of utility companies and provide one-time utility bill rebates to ratepayers.

• Continued funding for SNUG and GIVE anti-violence programs.

• New consumer protections designed to lower automobile insurance costs.

• Expanded property tax exemption eligibility for seniors and disabled homeowners.

• Funding to upgrade EBT cards to help prevent SNAP benefit theft.

• Enhanced protections for children using social media and online gaming platforms.

Bronson said the budget reflects the delegation's effort to address affordability concerns while investing in long-term economic growth.

"This year's New York State budget is an investment in a more affordable, equitable New York and demonstrates our shared commitment to uplifting every corner of Rochester and Monroe County," Bronson said.

Assemblymember Jen Lunsford pointed to what she called significant gains for the region, including direct state aid, child care funding and capital investments.

"While the budget fight took longer than any of us wanted it to, that time was spent fighting to make sure our region got its fair share — and we succeeded," Lunsford said.

Assemblymember Sarah Clark said the budget will strengthen neighborhoods and create opportunities for working families, while Assemblymember Demond Meeks emphasized investments in child care, public safety programs, healthcare workers and local food access initiatives.

The lawmakers said the combined investments represent one of the largest recent state commitments to Rochester and Monroe County and are intended to support both immediate affordability needs and long-term community development.