Platform &
Positions
Rochester has been through a lot in the last few years. Many in our city are tired and struggling.
So, it came as no surprise when community members shared that what they need most falls into three main categories. People want an affordable city, reliable services, and a transparent local government.
Affordability
Every single day people in our city struggle to afford rent even though they work full-time. Paying for childcare and other family care has been described as “like taking out a second mortgage.” And numerous small businesses are being priced out of their space and our city altogether.
When the people of Rochester ask local government for help or urge them to vote differently and little to nothing changes, it sends the message to community members that they don’t matter. It sends the message that city leaders don’t care whether people feel like they belong here.
Reliability
When prices are high and city services are unreliable, it adds insult to injury. The people deserve to know the services their tax dollars pay for are reliable and that those who are most vulnerable in our city will be prioritized.
People want to be able to take for granted that the electricity is on, the parks are clean and accessible, the buses are running, and that we’ll be kept safe.
Transparency
The people of Rochester demand transparency from their leaders. They want proof, not promises from City Hall. They want to know their tax dollars are being spent as stated and in ways that benefit them. They want to know that when they’re asked to vote on something at the polls, the city will deliver on that.
And when the city shares information with the people of Rochester, they deserve it to be accessible, organized, and readable. No overwhelming data dumps or searching through webpages to find the answers you seek.
Overall, the people who live in Rochester deserve a city council and mayor who make decisions as if they serve the people. If we want our citizens to feel like they belong, we have to stop showing them the door. People should feel welcome, whether they’re visiting, just moved in, or have lived here for generations.
So, when the people of our great city ask me whom I’ll serve when I’m in office, for me, there is only one answer: the people of Rochester.
While tackling this agenda is ambitious, it is something the people deserve. To achieve that, I am committed to serving as your full-time mayor. While in office, I will work with the people of Rochester to build a more affordable, reliable, transparent, and resilient future.
Core Positions
Housing - Keep Rochester Affordable and livable
Rochester is facing a housing affordability crisis, and working people, families, renters, seniors, and small businesses are feeling pressure.
- Fight the exploitation of Rochester's housing and rental markets by private equity.
- Put people and locally owned businesses ahead of corporate interests when making affordability decisions.
- Bring State and Federal partners to the table to secure resources and investment for Rochester.
- Increase transparency around development, landlords, contracts, and taxpayer-funded projects.
Rochester’s future depends on making sure people can afford to live, work, and build a life here.
PUBLIC SAFETY - LOCAL, ACCOUNTABLE, COMMUNITY-CENTERED
Public safety starts with making Rochester a community where people feel safe and where government remains accountable to the people it serves.
- Keep public safety decisions local and accountable.
- Keep local law enforcement focused on community safety rather than federal immigration enforcement.
- Listen to residents—especially those who experience public safety systems differently—and include them in decisions that affect their communities.
Public safety works best when residents trust the people and institutions responsible for keeping them safe.
Small Business - PUT LOCAL BUSINESSES FIRST
Rochester’s locally owned businesses are an essential part of our neighborhoods, downtown, and local economy.
- Make city policies and regulations work for small businesses, not just large corporations.
- Address the rising costs that make it harder for independent businesses to open, operate, and stay in Rochester.
- Protect small businesses from displacement as development and investment reshape neighborhoods.
- Make City Hall easier to navigate for entrepreneurs and locally owned businesses.
- Work with State and Federal partners to bring economic relief and investment to Rochester.
When local businesses thrive, our neighborhoods thrive.
Infrastructure & ACCOUNTABILITY - INVEST IN ROCHESTER AND FOLLOW THE MONEY
Rochester needs infrastructure that serves the people who live here today while preparing for the community we will become tomorrow.
- Make the City budget and spending more transparent—including showing who benefits from major expenditures and contracts.
- Make responsible, long-term investments in streets, sidewalks, transportation, utilities, parks, and other essential infrastructure.
- Ensure infrastructure decisions are accessible and equitable for residents across Rochester.
- Use the mayor’s authority to investigate how taxpayer dollars are being spent, even within Rochester’s weak-mayor system.
Rochester residents deserve to know where their money goes—and they deserve infrastructure that works for everyone.
EXPERIENCED. EFFECTIVE. ACCOUNTABLE.
Rochester deserves public servants who know how to listen, build coalitions, manage significant public resources, and make difficult decisions.
Dr. Garcia’s four years on the Rochester Public School Board included helping lead the district through the pandemic and its aftermath, managing multi-million-dollar budgets, and listening to residents—even when there was disagreement.
City Hall should work for Rochester’s people—and the people should have a strong voice in how it works.
Stand Informed. Get Involved.
Dr. Jess Garcia is fighting for an affordable, reliable, and transparent Rochester. Join our movement for local reform today.