Rochester City Council Responds to Business Feedback Amid Construction
By Ida Rosenstein, Published: Oct. 12, 2026 at 3:37 PM GMT+2 | Updated: 14 hours ago
Last Monday, the Rochester City Council approved additional funding for its Business Forward program to support businesses impacted by downtown construction. The city also addressed feedback from some businesses, which suggested that direct financial assistance, such as cash infusions, would be more beneficial.
Rochester’s Business Forward Program is an initiative linked to the Link Bus Rapid Transit Project (BRT), primarily offering marketing support to businesses struggling due to 2nd Street construction. Numerous businesses have faced reduced customer traffic as a result of the construction, making access to buildings difficult. When the program launched last year, the initial budget was $350,000.
Last month, the Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) approved an additional $500,000 for Business Forward. This funding will be used to provide support through various means:
- Outreach and access strategies
- Targeted marketing and promotions
- Customer traffic initiatives
- Other construction mitigation efforts
Rochester’s Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement, Jenna Bowman, emphasized that the city is considering business feedback for future funding rounds. She noted:
"I think key learning for us... is how... do we help folks understand the project, the gravity of the project, and how that really helps set the stage and table for how we can best work together."
While many affected businesses have previously requested direct funding for essential expenses like payroll and rent, Ward One council member Patrick Keane clarified that local governments are limited in their ability to provide such aid due to state and federal laws.