A Message from the Partnership for Downtown Rochester
The Partnership for Downtown Rochester offers a thank you for the participation,
feedback, and input toward the effort for a potential Downtown Rochester Business Improvement District (BID). As the process continues, they have provided the following update on the initiative.
Where are we now?
In November 2023, the draft district plan for a potential Downtown Rochester BID was released. Through the guidance and leadership of the BID Formation Committee, this plan was drafted through an unparalleled and extensive community outreach process, which engaged countless community members, inclusive of 1,500+ responses at more than 40 events. A recurring theme from the collective feedback for the future of downtown Rochester is that people want more from their downtown. Based on public input received and the guidance of the BID Formation Committee, this process identified clear needs for downtown that business improvement district services can directly address: Marketing, Events & Activations; Small Business & Livability; Hospitality; and Beautification & Maintenance; along with support for social services.
The draft district plan was available for public review and comment from November 28 – December 31, 2023. A survey, which closed on December 31st, was available both in-person and online, and solicited community input on the contents of the plan. With 364 responses, the results of that survey can be found on partnershipfordowntown.org. Additionally, a Community Open House was held on December 13th at the Central Library. Drawing 76 attendees, it featured interactive stations outlining the contents of the draft district plan. A summary of that meeting can be found here. Additional pop-up and downtown residential tabling events, 7 in total, were also conducted throughout the month of December. A summary of the feedback received at those can be found here.
What's next?
In January 2024, the BID Formation Committee convened to review and analyze the community feedback received. The Committee is working to revise the draft district plan based on recurring themes expressed and additional community input. Once it is ready, the revised district plan will be shared with property owners within the proposed service area. If there is a majority of support from property owners, it will then be presented to the Rochester City Council for review – likely sometime in the second half of 2024. The City Council will then need to vote on the proposed plan, and if it advances, hold a public hearing to receive feedback on the proposal and complete several more steps per New York State law before a Downtown Rochester BID could be established.
The Partnership for Downtown Rochester and Greater Rochester Chamber will keep you updated on next steps in the months ahead. As always, thank you for your participation in this process and your willingness to share your thoughts, reflections, and ideas. This effort would not be possible without you. Please reach out to connect@rochesterdowntownpartnership.org with any questions you may have.
About the Partnership
The Partnership for Downtown Rochester is a 501(c)(3) public private partnership between New York State, Empire State Development, the City of Rochester, RDDC, and ROC2025.The Partnership was created to facilitate placemaking efforts, coordinate marketing and programming, and lead promotion of activities throughout downtown Rochester and along the Genesee Riverway. The Partnership’s goal is to increase private sector participation to better activate public spaces and help guide the revitalization of Rochester for the benefit of downtown stakeholders, visitors, and the overall community.