Rochester Downtown Development Corporation

Telling the Story of Downtown:- Crafted consistent reporting, data and market analysis, marketing, and promotion.- Maintained the @downtownrochesterny social media channels, seeing a 14% increase in followers in 2024, adding roughly 3,000 new followers. - Featured in dozens of earned media placements and press hits.(Continued on Schedule O) Downtown Activation:- Built partnerships with local event producers and the city of Rochester to bring fun-filled, positive experiences to downtown, through the production of the second annual Downtown Definitely Events and a new downtown Farmers Market. These events brought 22,000+ people downtown from June to October 2024.- Launched planning and community engagement create a plan to activate Washington Square Park in the heart of downtown with temporary seating and regular events.- Implemented a downtown welcome program with promotional materials on local amenities and attractions, discounts, and downtown swag to over 700 newcomers to downtown. - Continued promotional partnership to highlight dozens of small and local businesses as part of events.- Ran third annual seasonal dcor grant program to assist businesses with public-facing seasonal dcor and enliven exterior storefront spaces. Strategic Convening, Collaborating, and Planning:- Through public private collaboration, such as The Partnership for Downtown Rochester, strategically planned for sustainable programs and services to support the unique needs of downtown. - Held quarterly property manager and owner's meetings to convene in a collective fashion to discuss current initiatives, receive downtown updates, and share group feedback.- Hosted four member socials to gather RDDC members together around key celebratory moments in downtown Rochester.- Initiated Public Safety Info Sessions for downtown residents, employees, and business owners to meet with RPD and each other and learn more about local resources, initiatives, and data. This program is primarily supported by grants and contributions.

RDDC hosted the revived Economic Growth Series luncheons, highlighting downtown's resurgence and dynamic market, welcoming hundreds of attendees.