City Celebrates Fifth Anniversary of the Rochester Financial Empowerment Center

Mayor Malik D. Evans joined City leaders and program partners to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Rochester Financial Empowerment Center (FEC)— a City program that has helped thousands of families reduce debt, build savings, and take control of their financial future.  

The FEC is a collaborative initiative led by the Mayor’s Office of Financial Empowerment, in partnership with The Housing Council at PathStone, offering confidential, judgment-free financial guidance to Rochester residents—at no cost. 

“This is more than a milestone—it’s a movement,” said Mayor Evans. “Financial empowerment is about creating a city where people are not just surviving but thriving. Thanks to the Rochester FEC, families are finding peace of mind, reaching long-term goals, and building generational wealth. This program proves that when we invest in people, we all win.” 

Since 2019, the Rochester FEC has provided one-to-one counseling for more than 3,000 individuals, helped to collectively reduce $5 million in debt, supported more than $2 million increased savings, and empowered 600 individuals to improve their credit score by 35 percent. Counselors assist families with budgeting, credit building, debt reduction, banking access, and savings strategies.  

The program is also integrated into several City initiatives, including the First-Time Homebuyers program, Buy the Block, and the Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) pilot. 

To learn more about the Rochester FEC, visit www.CityofRochester.Gov/FEC.