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Writer's pictureDave McCleary

Lightfoot Ends Era on City Council, Shifts Focus to Ministry, Community Advocacy and Entrepreneurship

Willie Lightfoot

Rochester City Councilmember Willie Lightfoot announced he will not seek a third term in office, capping a two decades-long career of public service that has included tenures as a county legislator, firefighter and anti-violence advocate.

 

Lightfoot, who was first elected to City Council as an at-large member in 2017 and re-elected in 2021, confirmed he will serve through the end of his current term, which ends on Dec. 31, 2025.

 

“After two decades of dedicated service to our community, I have made the decision not to seek re-election for a third term on Rochester’s City Council,” Lightfoot said in a statement. “I will continue contributing to our community outside of government and I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.”

 

A Rochester native who grew up in the 19th Ward, Lightfoot credits his father, the late county legislator and local entrepreneur Willie Walker Lightfoot, for inspiring his career in public service. His father was also the founding executive director of the Southwest Area Neighborhood Association (SWAN).

 

“My family goes back over 50 years, five decades serving this community,” Lightfoot said. "I thank the community for their trust in me and I will continue to serve, but just in different capacities.”

 

Lightfoot began his political career in 2005 with a successful run for the Monroe County Legislature, representing Southwest Rochester until 2015. He became the first firefighter elected to public office in the city after successfully advocating for a charter change that permitted police officers and firefighters to seek elected office.

 

On City Council, Lightfoot is known for his anti-violence efforts. He served as chair of the Public Safety Committee and founded the ROC Against Gun Violence Coalition (RAGVC), working to reduce gun deaths and other violent crime. He spearheaded legislation to create Rochester’s first Gun Trace Data Report, collaborating with federal officials and the Brady Foundation. He was also integral to property tax assessment reforms and passed legislation to streamline City purchasing rules.

 

Lightfoot served on the Executive Order 203 Committee on policing, racial equity and leadership during the period of civil unrest in Rochester, contributing to a race equity report and other policy changes, including paid leave for city employees who are victims of domestic violence.

 

As an Air Force veteran, licensed master barber, and former Rochester Firefighter with 20 years of service, Lightfoot said he now plans to focus on “family, pastoring and running my businesses.”

 

Lightfoot, an entrepreneur, owns Willie's Wash 'N' Go Laundromat and New Creations Unisex Barber Shop on Jefferson Avenue and is the pastor of Prayer House Church of God by Faith on Cumberland Street.

 

“I will continue to work to better the quality of life for people in the city,” Lightfoot said. “I’m invested in two of the most challenging zip codes in the city. My barbershop is in the 14611 zip code and my church is in the 14605 zip code.”

 

City Council President Miguel A. Meléndez Jr. praised Lightfoot’s leadership in a statement, saying, “It has been an honor to serve alongside Councilmember Lightfoot, who has pioneered anti-violence initiatives in City government, furthered racial equity and equality on City Council, and continuously advocated for the betterment of quality of life for all Rochesterians.”

 

“In the remaining months of Councilmember Lightfoot’s term, I will work diligently to ensure we support the efforts of the ROC Against Gun Violence Coalition and continue to work toward a future of Safer Neighborhoods, Quality Housing and Equitable Access to Opportunity for all Rochesterians,” Meléndez added. “The Rochester community is thankful for his public service, not just on Council but also as a serviceman, fireman, family man and clergy member.”

 

Mayor Malik Evans similarly commended Lightfoot’s contributions, highlighting his “steady dedication” to Rochester’s underserved neighborhoods and his consistent willingness to collaborate on pressing issues.

 

Lightfoot, who is married with four children, said he looks forward to “keeping the Lightfoot family tradition of helping to better the quality of life of others.”

 

No official candidates have yet announced plans to run for his seat in the 2025 election. Candidate petitions for the upcoming race are expected to become available later this year.

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