Rochester Community
Conversations about local government, planning, housing, schools, and community leadership in Rochester, NY.
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Local decisions show up in ordinary life. They influence how a village street feels on a Saturday, how a family finds housing, how schools respond to change, and how nonprofit leaders build connections when people need them most.
The conversations in this collection stay close to that work. Jill Wiedrick explains how Fairport has built momentum through planning and public process. Nate Salzman discusses his vision for Brighton and Monroe Avenue. Jaime Saunders shares why community connection matters at United Way, while Mitch Gruber and Kevin McGowan speak to housing, schools, and the pressures facing the region.
Together, these episodes offer a grounded way to hear from people working on the practical questions that shape Rochester.
Featured Episodes
Jill Wiedrick
Village Planner Jill Wiedrick explains how Fairport's walkable village, canal front, flexible zoning, and steady public engagement helped turn it into one of the Rochester area's most active destinations.
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Nate Salzman
Nate Salzman is 33 years old, has two kids, works full time at Monroe County, and is about to become the next Town Supervisor of Brighton. He is not waiting his turn. He is impatient on purpose.
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Jaime Saunders
Jaime Saunders, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, returns for a second appearance to talk about what has changed, what has gotten harder, and why she still believes Rochester can be a destination place.
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Mitch Gruber
Rochester City Councilmember and Foodlink leader Mitch Gruber offers a candid look at the city's housing crisis, downtown development, traffic safety, the future of the Public Market, and why he remains optimistic about Rochester's next decade.
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Kevin McGowan
Brighton Central School District Superintendent Kevin McGowan discusses the cell phone ban, AI in education, post-COVID attendance challenges, student mental health, and how schools are preparing students for a rapidly changing future.
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