Affordable Homes & Safe Housing (Improving Housing Opportunities)[Rochester Housing Solutions]

Introduction

Rochester deserves homes that are affordable and safe for everyone, but rising rents, skyrocketing home prices, and growing homelessness are holding us back. With 63% of households renting—half spending over 30% of their income—and a median home value of $148,000 up 45% since 2018, many can’t afford to stay or buy. Around 3,000 people face homelessness yearly, often driven by drug trafficking and economic hardship. As Marcus C. Williams, I’m running for City Council to fight for housing that works for all. My plan brings tax relief for first-time buyers, protects renters, prevents homelessness, and tackles drug issues head-on. Together, we’ll build a Rochester where every family has a safe place to call home.

Top Issues  

1. Soaring Costs: Rents and home prices are out of reach, with 50% of renters cost-burdened and home values rising fast.

2. Homelessness Crisis: ~3,000 residents face homelessness annually, worsened by drug trafficking and economic struggles.

3. Renters at Risk: Tenants lose homes when properties are sold, with no say in their future.

4. Broken Housing System: The current code favors the wealthy, not tenants, owners, or small builders, leaving neighborhoods to decay.

Action Items  

1. 5-Year Tax Abatement for First-Time Homebuyers  

• Offers a 50% tax break for 5 years to first-time buyers who live in their home, starting with 100 homes in 2026.

• Benefits underrepresented communities, funded by city budget or HUD grants (~$500,000/year).

2. Renters’ First Right of Refusal

• 2026 ordinance gives tenants 30 days to buy their rental if sold or foreclosed, supported by low-interest loans from RSWF.

• Protects 63% renters, piloting with 50 properties in 2027.

3. Rochester Housing Stability Program (RHSP)  

• Provides $1,000/month rent help for 3 months, job training, and case management for 200 households in 2026, scaling to 500.

• Funded by $500,000 from DRHS and $300,000 in HUD grants.

4. Crackdown on Drug Trafficking  

• Increases RPD patrols ($250,000) and community outreach ($150,000) in 2026 to reduce drug-driven homelessness, starting in Southwest.

Strategies in Action  

• Zoning Reforms: Ease density rules in 2026 for 500 affordable units.

• Developer Partnerships: Negotiate 200 units with tax incentives in 2026.

• First-Time Buyers: Targets 200 buyers annually.

• Homelessness: RHSP and drug efforts address root causes.

• Code Reform: Simplifies permitting in 2026 for all.

Expected Impact  

• Homeownership to 40% by 2027, adding 1,000 owners.

• 500 fewer homeless annually, saving $1M.

• 10 revitalized neighborhoods.

  
  

Conclusion

Rochester can be a city where every family has a safe, affordable home.

Affordable Homes & Safe Housing image features Marcus C Williams Candidate For Rochester City Council