About Special Projects and Educational Initiatives
Oversees the development and implementation of projects as requested by the Mayor. Responsible for defining, planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating the administration’s initiatives. Chairs the Mayor's Early Learning Commission and is the lead on education issues.
Contact Information
Office of Special Projects and Educational Initiatives
City Hall, Room 201-A
30 Church Street
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 428-7192
Liliana M. Ruiz, Director
Email: Liliana.Ruiz@cityofrochester.gov
Special Projects and Educational Initiatives
RASE Commission
In acknowledgment of national and local calls for systemic and institutional change, the City of Rochester and County of Monroe partnered on a joint governmental response to address systemic issues of racial and structural inequities. Through this partnership, the Commission on Racial and Structural Equity (RASE) has been established to review, identify, and recommend changes to local laws that will eliminate inequity across our county.
Guaranteed Basic Income pilot program
Career Pathways to Public Safety
In 2013, the City of Rochester in collaboration with the Rochester City School District reorganized the Firefighter Trainee program, which was originally established at East High School over 25 years ago. The Firefighter Trainee program was expanded to include other public safety disciplines and entered a partnership with Rochester City School District (RCSD) to provide a Career Pathways to Public Safety Program (CPPS) to increase minority representation in its uniformed divisions. CPPS is focused on increasing the awareness of career opportunities within City of Rochester Police (Law Enforcement), Rochester Fire Department, 911/Emergency Communications and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
More information
Pillars of Hope
An initiative program to combat the loss of traditional African American and Latino role models from our communities. Program recruits African American and Latino professionals, who, as a group, adopt a school where they make an impact with their presence.
Just Law
Just Law is a program to educate 6th through 9th grade students about the U.S. legal system. It is a collaborative effort to help middle school students and high school freshmen in the Rochester City School District better understand the law and our country’s legal system.
Mentor Up
The Mayor's Mentor Up Program is an annual exceptional free event for youth ages 14-18 supported by local chapters of international fraternities, community agencies, residents, area colleges, and business leaders. Mentor Up promotes the growth and development of young Rochesterians through mentorship.
Healthy Food Accessibility Initiatives
Innovative Food Models: Six organizations were chosen to implement innovative, creative, alternative, or strategic models that will expand healthy food access for low-income city residents.
Community Food Systems Plan: This effort seeks to understand the local food system better across city neighborhoods and develop recommendations to inform policies, partnerships, and initiatives to improve food access, health, and resilience. The planning process includes information gathering, mapping and data analysis, community-based research, and significant public and stakeholder engagement.
Healthy ROC Grocer: The Healthy ROC Grocer Program makes it easy for you to find stores conveniently located in your neighborhood or near your workplace to quickly fill your shopping basket with nutritious, wholesome foods that support well-being for you and your family.