The Community Foundation - Rochester Area The Community Foundation

Coalition to Promote After-School Funding

Rochester Community CoalitionRochester Area Community Foundation is a member of the Rochester Community Coalition, which unveiled its “2010 Top Priorities for State Investment” at a January 14 press conference.

The Coalition announced five community initiatives that it will lobby for in Albany. One is a $5 million, four-year funding investment in the Rochester After-School Plan, developed jointly by the Community Foundation, the city of Rochester, the Rochester City School District and United Way of Greater Rochester. Community Foundation President and Executive Director Jennifer Leonard spoke about the importance of after-school programs in curbing violence and improving graduation rates.

The four other priorities for the Coalition during 2010 include:

  • $150 million for an Interstate-390 Interchange Project that will support the increased traffic flow associated with planned and future growth at the University of Rochester and along Mt. Hope Avenue and East Henrietta Road.
  • $40 million for the Institute for Sustainability at Rochester Institute of Technology, to complete a total public-private partnership fundraising goal and establish the region as a global hub for the emerging green-tech economy.
  • Mandate relief for local governments that are frequently required to support state-directed programs and regulations without the necessary funding or decision-making power. Two specific targets are the binding arbitration provision of the Taylor Law and strict and burdensome waiver requirements for counties.
  • Promote reforms for Industrial Development Agencies and Empire Zones that will help employers remain competitive and remain in New York state.

In addition to the Community Foundation, coalition members include the Rochester Business Alliance, the city of Rochester, Monroe County, University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology.


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