“Task Force” assembled to identify issues in response to pandemic impacts on downtown Rochester

By KAALTV

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(ABC 6 News) – A task force is being assembled to identify and address priority issues in response to the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on downtown Rochester.

The Downtown Rochester Task Force includes members from the City of Rochester, Destination Medical Center, Diversity Council, Experience Rochester, Mayo Clinic, Rochester Area Economic Development Agency, Inc., Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, and Rochester Downtown Alliance.

There will be four work sessions – three in-person and one virtual – where members of the community and downtown businesses can share specific challenges they are experiencing related to downtown. The scheduled work sessions are below.

  • Monday, Feb. 27 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Fagan Studio and Studio 324.
  • Friday, Mar. 3 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Chateau Theatre.
  • Monday, Mar. 6 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Pasquale’s Neighborhood Pizzeria.
  • Tuesday, Mar. 14 from 10:00 to 11:00a.m. (virtual)

Together, attendees will identify both priority concerns and solutions. Once key priorities are identified, an action plan will be created to address each concern.

“The pandemic was a disrupter to many aspects of our national, state, and local economies. How and where people work, shop, and participate in activities has changed,” states Kim Norton, mayor of the City of Rochester. “While downtown Rochester has and will change, there are several opportunities in how we can strengthen and become a more resilient downtown. And we must do this work together.”

The Downtown Rochester Task Force will use an accelerated model in creating an action plan, which will allow participants to identify concerns and work on solutions quickly.

A task force is being assembled to identify and address priority issues in response to the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on downtown Rochester.

Patrick Seeb, executive director of Destination Medical Center, shares, “Everyone has a stake in a healthy downtown. Now is the time to be intentional about the steps we take to help accelerate recovery. We will build on existing strengths while focusing on the future.”

The goal is to present an action plan by May 2023 to guide the Downtown Rochester Task Force moving forward.

For more information, CLICK HERE.