Check out what happened in the City of Rochester this week.

The countdown to Rochester’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is officially underway! We joined community leaders at City Hall today to share details for the celebration. We’ll see you at the parade! Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/stpatricksday

Daylight saving time begins Sunday. A reminder to set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed Saturday night, and consider checking the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to help keep your household safe.

Join us today at 10 a.m. as we kick off Rochester’s 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade celebrations! Local leaders will be joined by the Parade Committee at City Hall for music, Irish dancing, and the official announcement of this year’s parade details. Watch live: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLzE...

City Hall hosted Rochester’s inaugural Unified Iftar last night. Mayor Evans joined community members to observe the breaking of the fast during Ramadan, sharing prayer, reflection, and fellowship. Gatherings like this remind us that Rochester is strongest when we stand together.

Out of 8,000+ global entries, Rochester’s own Avery Cater is the only U.S. winner in this year’s international Mayors for Peace Children’s Art Competition! Avery’s artwork, “Be the Light in the Dark,” earned a Special Prize and recognition among the top 24 submissions worldwide.

Spring recreation season is here! Programs and activities for all ages — including swim lessons, family fun nights, gaming, dance, fitness, and more at neighborhood R-Centers. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/news/city-rochesters-spring-recreation-season-begins-more-100-programs-and-activities

Two meetings this week on the Rochester Community Food System Plan. Learn, ask questions, and share your ideas! Your input helps shape food access citywide. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/foodplan

Welcome to downtown! We celebrated Empreinte Consulting, LLC’s grand re-opening and ribbon-cutting at their new Rochester office today. This firm helps philanthropists and nonprofits make an even bigger impact in our community.

See a pothole? Let us know! City crews are working hard to repair streets across Rochester, and your reports help us prioritize the work. Submit a repair request online or call 311 to report a location. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/pothole

Calling young Rochesterians, ages 17 to 25! Applications are now open for the Summer Public Safety Internship, your first step to a great career in firefighting or 911 communications. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/publicsafetyinternship

We celebrated Read Across America Day at The Children’s School of Rochester #15 this morning! Mayor Evans read with dozens of third graders, sharing stories and reminding students that reading opens doors to imagination, opportunity, and lifelong learning.

Rochester is celebrating America’s 250th with art! City residents are invited to submit original designs for the America 250 City Art Poster Project. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/news/city-invites-residents-participate-america-250-city-art-poster-project

Happy Women’s History Month! We’re proud to celebrate the women who have shaped Rochester’s past and continue to strengthen our community every day. From trailblazers and change-makers to neighbors and leaders, we honor their impact and contributions all month long.

Check out what happened in the City of Rochester this week.

We gathered last night to celebrate 100 years of Black history — past, present, and future. Thank you to the Black Heritage Committee, moderators, and panelists for a thoughtful discussion, and to ROCmusic for setting the tone. We’re proud to honor this legacy and continue the work ahead!

We celebrated Rochester youth today at the Do the Right Thing Awards! From fundraisers to neighborhood cleanups, these students are leading with compassion, courage, and community pride. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/dotherightthing

It’s pothole season — and we need your help to make them history! Report pothole locations on city streets for repair online or by calling 311. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/pothole

This month’s Mayor on the Block took Mayor Evans to International Plaza and the North Clinton Avenue neighborhood to connect directly with residents and business owners. Listening, learning, and building together — block by block.

From hip-hop history to building careers in culture. Mayor Evans joined InControl4Peace's podcast to discuss entrepreneurship, creativity, and supporting homegrown talent with Rochester youth. The podcast episode was produced by local young people learning real-world media skills.

Changes to SNAP eligibility take effect March 1. We joined County Executive Bello, Rep. Morelle, and local leaders to make sure residents know what’s changing and how to get help. No one should go hungry. Learn more and find resources here: monroecounty.gov/snap-abawd-changes

Live at City Hall today: A gospel concert featuring the School of the Arts Choir and Jazz Band in celebration of Black History Month. Streaming live at noon here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN8K...

It’s Heart Month, and Mayor Evans joined Dr. LeKeyah Wilson of Rochester Regional Health for a hands-only CPR demonstration at the Thomas P. Ryan Center. Learning CPR is simple, fast, and can save a life! Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/heartsafe

A Rochester youth milestone! Teen Empowerment officially opened its new location in the Maplewood neighborhood — creating more paid leadership and employment opportunities for young people.

Join us for the ROC Youth Community Resource & Employment Fair on Feb. 28 at East High School! Connect with employers, get career and financial resources, and more: cityofrochester.gov/news/youth-and-families-invited-roc-youth-community-resource-and-employment-fair-feb-28

Over February break, Biz Kid$ campers are flexing their entrepreneurial skills — learning what it takes to run a business from ideation to sales. Rochester youth have been building career skills through this program for more than 20 years! Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/febbreak

We joined partners at Goodwill of the Finger Lakes to announce a new regional partnership with Reju — positioning Rochester as the northeast hub for textile recycling! This $390M investment is expected to create jobs, reduce textile waste, and strengthen our green economy.

Wishing everyone celebrating a happy Lunar New Year! May the Year of the Fire Horse bring energy, resilience, and new opportunities for our community.

Wishing Rochester a happy Presidents Day! Today, we reflect on the leadership and lasting legacy of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln and the ideals they helped define for our nation.

Today, we honor the birthday of Susan B. Anthony, a Rochester trailblazer whose legacy reminds us that lasting change comes from persistence, purpose, and collective action.

Check out what happened this week in the City of Rochester.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Rochester! Today we celebrate love in all its forms — for our families, our friends, our neighbors, and the city we call home.

On his birthday, we recognize Frederick Douglass, whose life and work in Rochester helped advance abolition, civil rights, and the enduring fight for justice. We honor his legacy by continuing the work he challenged us to do.

Registration is open for the Upstate NY MWBE Conference! Join minority and women-owned businesses from across the region for three days of workshops, networking, and growth opportunities in Rochester. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/news/registration-now-open-upstate-ny-mwbe-conference-2026

Mayor Evans joined mayors from across New York State in Albany yesterday to deliver legislative budget testimony, advocating for sustained state investment, fair municipal funding, and long-term fiscal stability to protect essential services and support Rochester’s continued growth.

Spreading kindness — and Rochester pride — at Francis Parker School No. 23! Deputy Mayor Mike Burns joined Mrs. Hahn’s Pre-K class for Hearts Across America as students are sending valentines across all 50 states.

Join us today at noon for a live-streamed gospel concert featuring Strings for Success, as part of our Black History Month celebration! Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/events/black-history-month-2026-gospel-concert-city-hall

Get ready to grow, learn, and earn this summer! The ROC Youth Employment Network is now accepting applications for paid summer work opportunities for young people ages 14–20. Learn more and apply today: rocyouthemployment.com

The competition was fierce at the 3rd annual Mayor’s Madden Invitational on Saturday! The event at Central Library showcased how e-sports can support social connection, teamwork, and skill-building for young people across Rochester.

Moments of reflection, unity, and faith. Community members and interfaith leaders gathered Sunday at Aenon Missionary Baptist Church for Rochester’s Citywide Day of Prayer, marking a shared commitment to moving the city forward — together.

Check out what happened this week in the City of Rochester.

Extreme cold conditions are expected this weekend. Limit time outdoors, dress in warm layers, and check on neighbors and loved ones. Call 211 for warming center info. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/news/mayor-evans-warns-residents-extreme-cold-weather-forecast-feb-7-and-8

City Hall was filled with incredible art, jazz, and delicious food last night as we kicked off Rochester’s Black History Month! We’re just getting started — more opportunities ahead to celebrate through February and beyond. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/blackheritage

Today, we are wearing red to support National Wear Red Day and raise awareness about heart disease — the leading cause of death for women. We’re proud to stand for heart health, and are working to become a HEARTSafe community. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/heartsafe

Calling Rochester artists and arts organizations: Applications are open for ArtsBloom funding! Support is available for creative projects in visual, performing, literary, and educational arts. Learn more and apply: cityofrochester.gov/rfp-artsbloom-2026

Another milestone for downtown! Alta Vista at St. Joseph’s Park delivers 76 new mixed-income homes, supportive services, and park improvements — transforming vacant land into opportunity. Projects like this move Rochester forward.

Join us Sunday at 1 p.m. for a Multidenominational City-Wide Day of Prayer. Come together with Mayor Evans & the community at Aenon Missionary Baptist Church for an interfaith prayer and meditation gathering. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/events/multidenominational-city-wide-day-prayer-2026

A milestone for CityGate and Rochester’s growing business corridor! Today’s ribbon cutting at Chick-fil-A marks a new investment in Rochester and continued momentum for development that brings jobs, services, and opportunity to our community.

Celebrating Black History Month at City Hall! The City of Rochester Black Heritage Committee’s free Art, Jazz & Food Tasting celebration at 5:30 p.m. Thursday features live music, local artists, and delicious tastings — all in one vibrant evening. Learn more: CityofRochester.gov/BlackHeritage

R-Centers have February break covered! Sports, games, meals, and more to keep kids active and engaged while school is out Feb. 17-20. Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/news/r-centers-offer-february-break-fun-kids