On October 16, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, along with community leaders, Congressman Joe Morelle and representatives for Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced the launch of a public outreach effort for Bring Monroe Back, Monroe County’s Recovery Agenda. Bring Monroe Back is a plan to invest $144 million in American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds received from the federal government. Bello also announced the launch of Plan Forward, Monroe County’s first Comprehensive Plan in 40 years.
Taken together, Bring Monroe Back and Plan Forward will serve as the blueprint for Monroe County’s immediate recovery and long-term strategic direction. Plan Forward will use the data gathered from public outreach related to ARPA, and build upon it to steer Monroe County to a more equitable and sustainable future.
Bring Monroe Back does not start from zero, rather it builds on the work, community and government led plans, assessments, and reports that have already engaged citizens, business owners, and experts in their field. From these documents, six priority focus areas were identified in which to invest the county’s ARPA dollars: Public Safety, Public Health and Wellness, Economic Recovery, Workforce Development, Infrastructure Improvements, and Sustainability.
There are several opportunities available for the community to help Monroe County prioritize spending.
In person community hearings scheduled for: Wednesday, October 27, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Millennium Lodge – Greece Canal Park, 241 Elmgrove Road; Wednesday, November 10, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School, 501 Genesee Street, Rochester; Wednesday, December 1, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Grand View Lodge – Powder Mills Park, 154 Park Road, Rochester.
A virtual forum will be held Wednesday, December 8, from noon to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. Participants should email BringMonroeBack@monroecounty.gov for the link.
A community wide survey is available at www.monroecounty.gov/BringMonroeBack. Hard copies of the survey will be available in public locations or by contacting BringMonroeBack@monroecounty.gov.
Direct written testimony will also be accepted from community organizations, who can request a Community Organization Statement Form by contacting BringMonroeBack@monroecounty.gov.
“As we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we have an historic opportunity to revitalize our entire community and make the types of long-term investments our families deserve,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I was proud to deliver over $144 million in funding to Monroe County through the American Rescue Plan, and it’s critical that the community is directly involved in the process of determining how best to allocate these funds. I’m grateful to County Executive Bello for his leadership and dedication to facilitating a collaborative process that will strengthen our recovery and truly Bring Monroe Back stronger than ever.”
Public feedback will be accepted through December 31, 2021.
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