City Marks Five-Year Milestone for Rochester Financial Empowerment Center

Mayor Malik D. Evans, along with City leaders and program partners, celebrated the fifth anniversary of the Rochester Financial Empowerment Center (FEC), a vital City initiative that has supported thousands of families in reducing debt, increasing savings, and gaining control over their financial futures.

The FEC, a collaborative effort led by the Mayor’s Office of Financial Empowerment in partnership with The Housing Council at PathStone, provides confidential, judgment-free financial guidance to Rochester residents—completely free of charge.

“This is more than just a milestone; it’s a movement,” said Mayor Evans. “Financial empowerment means creating a city where people aren’t just getting by, but truly thriving. The Rochester FEC is giving families the tools to gain peace of mind, reach their long-term goals, and build generational wealth. This program is a testament to the fact that when we invest in people, everyone benefits.”

Since its inception in 2019, the Rochester FEC has provided one-on-one counseling to over 3,000 individuals, helped reduce $5 million in collective debt, supported more than $2 million in increased savings, and empowered 600 individuals to raise their credit scores by an average of 35%. Counselors offer guidance on budgeting, credit building, debt reduction, banking access, and savings strategies.

Additionally, the FEC is integrated with several City initiatives, including the First-Time Homebuyers program, Buy the Block, and the Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) pilot.

For more information about the Rochester FEC, visit www.CityofRochester.Gov/FEC.