Introduction
Advisory Committee
Privacy Policy
Accessibility

Introduction

Project Consultants

• Interface Studio LLC, Philadelphia, PA: planning and urban design
• Zimmerman / Volk Associates, Clinton, NJ: housing market analysis
• Charleen Regan, Boston, MA: housing finance and lending
• Nina Liou, Philadelphia, PA: housing programs and investment patterns
• John Stainton, Boston, MA: housing development consultant
• Paul Spoelhof, Fort Wayne, IN: housing policy and implementation

The Rochester City-Wide Housing Market Study is an innovative effort to combine carefully collected market data with a full analysis of the City's neighborhoods, finance environment and housing programs. The result will be a set of recommendations that will guide future planning efforts to organize the activities of City agencies, private and non-profit organizations around one shared vision and action strategy to reinvigorate all of Rochester's neighborhoods.

The study is guided by an Advisory Committee comprised of public, private and non-profit housing partners active in all aspects of Rochester's housing environment. The City's Department of Community Development through the Bureaus of Housing & Project Development and Planning is managing the study effort and providing technical assistance and guidance.

Interface Studio LLC of Philadelphia was retained to lead a team of national experts to undertake the following primary tasks:

• Assess the depth and breadth of the housing market for the entire City. This City-wide market study will include an evaluation of the potential market for different types of neighborhoods.
• Evaluate the characteristics of Rochester's varied neighborhoods. The team will collect and assess social, economic and physical data for the City's neighborhoods.
• Review all of the major housing programs in the City operated both by the City and non-profit organizations.
• Review the investment patterns of public and private dollars across the City.
• Assess the lending environment in Rochester including an understanding of foreclosure rates and predatory lending practices.
• Conduct over 70 personal stakeholder interviews to understand the local challenges and opportunities associated with Rochester's neighborhoods.
• Lead seven focus groups to discuss housing from the perspectives of residents, community organizations, realtors, developers, housing service providers, bankers and City staff.
• Create recommendations that best maximizes the use of public funds to support the potential housing market and improve housing for all income levels.