Mayor Evans Highlights Gains in Safety and Housing, Faces Sharp Criticism from Challenger in State of the City Address

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans delivered his third State of the City address Wednesday evening, celebrating a significant drop in gun violence and progress in housing and neighborhood development. But as he outlined his accomplishments, critics — especially mayoral challenger and City Councilmember Mary Lupien — questioned the depth and direction of his leadership.

Mayor Malik Evans delivered his third State of the City address Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Speaking at the William A. Johnson Jr. Port of Rochester Terminal Building, Evans emphasized “new momentum” in Rochester, citing data that showed shootings and homicides have declined by over 50% since 2021.

“These numbers are not just statistics — they represent lives saved and neighborhoods stabilized,” Evans said.

Evans pointed to strengthened community-police relations and expanded violence prevention programs as key drivers of the decline. He also highlighted projects like the “Buy The Block” initiative, which uses federal funds to build new homes in historically redlined neighborhoods, and the removal of the Inner Loop to reconnect communities and make way for future housing and business development.

Lupien Responds: “Too Many Are Still Struggling”

City Councilmember Mary Lupien, who is challenging Evans in the upcoming Democratic primary, issued a blistering critique of the mayor’s address in a press release Wednesday night. While Evans touted progress, Lupien argued the city remains deeply unequal and in need of transformative change.

“Mayor Evans painted a pretty picture tonight—but too many Rochester families are struggling to afford housing, make ends meet, and to feel safe in their neighborhoods,” she said. “The state of our city is not strong when housing costs are rising faster than wages, when gun violence continues to claim lives, and when millions of taxpayer dollars are wasted on projects that benefit developers, not us.”

Lupien also took issue with Evans claiming credit for programs such as the Person in Crisis Team and Advance Peace, which she said she helped bring to fruition alongside local leaders.

“What’s missing from his address—and his administration—is a bold vision for where we go next,” she said.

Lupien outlined her own proposals, including launching the largest guaranteed basic income program in the country, implementing a Housing First policy, and scaling up community responder programs.

“Guaranteed income works. Housing First works. Community responders work,” she said. “They are fully within reach if we stop funneling taxpayer dollars into big flashy projects meant to lure people and businesses here and start investing in us.”

Lupien framed the election as a choice between “more of the same” and “a thriving Rochester that invests in our people, our neighborhoods, and our future.”

Other Candidates

Evans' State of the City speech served as both a summary of his accomplishments and a campaign pitch for re-election ahead of the June 24 primary. In addition to Lupien, businessman Shashi Sinha—also running as a democrat—is proposing large property tax cuts and a surge in housing development on vacant lots.

Two other candidates Democrat Clifford Florence and Republican did not comment on the mayor’s address. According to the Monroe County Board of Elections the two did not received enough signatures to appear on the primary ballot.

They have until May 27 to file a petition with the board of elections to potentially secure a spot on the ballot.

Florence says he is running to uplifting city residents and restore trust in local government. While Sabo says he wants to see city neighborhoods grow and continue to thrive.

The coming weeks will determine how Rochester voters weigh the mayor’s track record against the calls for new leadership and a more expansive vision for the city’s future.

You can watch the entire State of the City Address at this llink: https://www.youtube.com/live/aEwflM5X18M