irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $667KTelling the Story of Downtown:- Crafted consistent reporting, data and market analysis, marketing, and promotion.- Maintained the @downtownrochesterny social media channels, seeing a 14% increase in followers in 2024, adding roughly 3,000 new followers. - Featured in dozens of earned media placements and press hits.(Continued on Schedule O) Downtown Activation:- Built partnerships with local event producers and the city of Rochester to bring fun-filled, positive experiences to downtown, through the production of the second annual Downtown Definitely Events and a new downtown Farmers Market. These events brought 22,000+ people downtown from June to October 2024.- Launched planning and community engagement create a plan to activate Washington Square Park in the heart of downtown with temporary seating and regular events.- Implemented a downtown welcome program with promotional materials on local amenities and attractions, discounts, and downtown swag to over 700 newcomers to downtown. - Continued promotional partnership to highlight dozens of small and local businesses as part of events.- Ran third annual seasonal dcor grant program to assist businesses with public-facing seasonal dcor and enliven exterior storefront spaces. Strategic Convening, Collaborating, and Planning:- Through public private collaboration, such as The Partnership for Downtown Rochester, strategically planned for sustainable programs and services to support the unique needs of downtown. - Held quarterly property manager and owner's meetings to convene in a collective fashion to discuss current initiatives, receive downtown updates, and share group feedback.- Hosted four member socials to gather RDDC members together around key celebratory moments in downtown Rochester.- Initiated Public Safety Info Sessions for downtown residents, employees, and business owners to meet with RPD and each other and learn more about local resources, initiatives, and data. This program is primarily supported by grants and contributions.
- #2 $43KRDDC hosted the revived Economic Growth Series luncheons, highlighting downtown's resurgence and dynamic market, welcoming hundreds of attendees.
named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
Downtown Activation
Produces events such as the Downtown Definitely Events series and a downtown Farmers Market to bring visitors to the area; also manages a seasonal decor grant program for local businesses.
Downtown Welcome Program
Provides promotional materials, discounts, and swag to over 700 newcomers to downtown to encourage engagement with local amenities and attractions.
Economic Growth Series
Hosts luncheons highlighting downtown’s resurgence and dynamic market, bringing together stakeholders and generating support for revitalization efforts.
Strategic Convening and Planning
Hosts quarterly property manager and owner meetings, member socials, and public safety info sessions; leads collaborative planning efforts including development of a potential downtown Business Improvement District (BID).
Telling the Story of Downtown
Manages social media channels (@downtownrochesterny), produces market analysis reports, and secures earned media placements to promote downtown Rochester.
activities · 5 groups
What they do
-
Business Improvement District Management 3 activities
- Administers grant and coordination programs for downtown improvementAdministered a seasonal decor grant program to support downtown businesses in enhancing storefronts and convened quarterly meetings for property managers and owners to coordinate initiatives and share updates.
- Funds and advocates for downtown infrastructure and policy initiativesSecured $3.98 million in multi-year funding to support the development of a downtown Business Improvement District, including $2.98 million from Roc the Riverway and $1 million from ROC2025.
- Provides organizational support to downtown partnershipsEstablished the Rochester Downtown Partnership in 2021 and provides full staff support under a formal services agreement.
-
-
Industry Research and Benchmarking 1 activity
- Conducts research and market analysis for downtown developmentProduces market tracking reports including the annual Survey of Downtown Office Space and Strategic Development table to inform real estate and economic stakeholders about downtown conditions and investment trends.
-
-
Community Festival & Event Production 1 activity
- Organizes free public events and programming in downtown RochesterProduces the Downtown Definitely Events series, an annual summer program of free community events featuring festivals, music, movies, and markets. Also organizes Food Truck Fridays, a weekly lunchtime event with local food trucks, live music, and lawn games in Washington Square Park, and a free outdoor fitness series with weekly workouts led by local instructors.
-
-
Visitor & Business Guide Distribution 1 activity
- Provides downtown promotion and visitor resourcesOffers an interactive map highlighting food and drink options, produces a monthly newsletter on downtown events, and promotes residential living by showcasing converted historic buildings and modern apartments. Also maintains a list of downtown apartment buildings and distributes promotional materials and swag to newcomers through a welcome program.
-
-
Shared Kitchen Incubator for Food Entrepreneurs 1 activity
- Supports food entrepreneurship through The CommissaryFounded and led the establishment of The Commissary, the region's first food business incubator and shared kitchen, providing space and business assistance to food entrepreneurs.
-
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$2.72M
Contributions & grants$2.50M92%
Program service revenue$208K8%
Investment income$6K0%
Other revenue$2K
expenses
Total expenses$1.64M
Program expenses82%
Admin / overhead18%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$739K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$3.57M
Cash$757K
Investments$0
Liabilities$648K
Net assets$2.92M
Liquid reserves5.5 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +43.9%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galin Brooks | President & CEO | 40 | $206K |
board members · 24
- Alec Riedman — Board Member
- Alex Castro — Board Member
- Andrew Gallina — Vice Chair
- Andy Raus — Board Member
- Ben Keller — Board Member
- Bob Healy — Board Member
- Bret Garwood — Board Member
- Brie Harrison — Vice Chair
- Charles Russell — Board Member
- Charles Whipple — Board Member
- Chris Hill — Past Chair
- Christine Vargas — Secretary
- David Beinetti — Board Member
- Dawn Williams-Fuller — Board Member
- Ebony Miller-Wesley — Vice Chair
- Eugenio Marlin — Board Member
- Gail Morelle — Board Member
- James Haskins — Board Member
- Jatin Motiwal — Board Member
- Jay Rettberg — Board Member
- Jim Brown — Vice Chair
- Joe Sayre — Vice Chair
- Joel Frater — Board Member
- Josh Farrelman — Vice Chair
relationships · 30
Who they work with
- City of Rochester Government — Collaborating government entity in the Downtown Definitely Events program to grow economic vitality in downtown Rochester.
- City of Rochester Government — Partner in The Partnership for Downtown Rochester, supporting placemaking and promotion efforts in downtown Rochester.
- City of Rochester Government — Public partner in the Partnership for Downtown Rochester
- City of Rochester Government — Public private partnership participant in The Partnership for Downtown Rochester.
- City of Rochester Partner — Collaborates on downtown activation events and public space improvements.
- Eastman School of Music Partner — Supported through grant-related initiatives for Kodak Hall renovations
- Empire State Development Government — Partner in The Partnership for Downtown Rochester, supporting placemaking and promotion efforts in downtown Rochester.
- Empire State Development Government — Public partner in the Partnership for Downtown Rochester
- Empire State Development Government — Public private partnership participant in The Partnership for Downtown Rochester.
- Greater ROC Partner — Joint initiative partner in the Downtown Definitely Events program to grow economic vitality in downtown Rochester.
- Local Sound Collaborative Partner — Curates live music for Food Truck Fridays in Washington Square.
- NYS Empire State Development Partner — Joint initiative partner in the Downtown Definitely Events program to grow economic vitality in downtown Rochester.
- OneROC Partner — Joint initiative partner in the Downtown Definitely Events program to grow economic vitality in downtown Rochester.
- Partnership for Downtown Rochester Network — 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization co-led by RDDC and public-private partners to coordinate downtown revitalization
- Partnership for Downtown Rochester Partner — Joint initiative partner in the Downtown Definitely Events program to grow economic vitality in downtown Rochester.
- RDDC Partner — Co-founding member of The Partnership for Downtown Rochester.
- ROC2025 Funder — Provided $1 million in funding to support the establishment of a downtown Business Improvement District.
- ROC2025 Partner — Partner in The Partnership for Downtown Rochester, supporting placemaking and promotion efforts in downtown Rochester.
- ROC2025 Partner — Private partner in the Partnership for Downtown Rochester
- ROC2025 Partner — Public private partnership participant in The Partnership for Downtown Rochester.
- Riedman Partner — Collaborates on downtown development projects including conversion of Clinton Square and The Neisner building
- Roc the Riverway Funder — Provided $2.98 million in funding for downtown and riverfront management restructuring.
- Rochester Downtown Partnership Partner — Contracted by RDDC to provide staff support and programming until a BID is operational.
- Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Partner — Partnered on launching the City Art Space in Downtown Rochester
- Rochester Police Department Partner — Partners on public safety information sessions for downtown residents and business owners.
- Rochester Regional Health Partner — Collaborated on redevelopment of the former YMCA Carlson Metro Center downtown
- State of New York Government — Receives state funding for downtown development initiatives such as High Falls State Park and Riverside Convention Center
- The Partnership for Downtown Rochester Coalition — Public-private coalition for strategic planning and sustainable downtown development.
- The Partnership for Downtown Rochester Partner — Collaborates on placemaking, marketing, programming, and promotion of downtown Rochester and the Genesee Riverway.
- Vault Rochester Partner — Provides fitness instructors for the weekly Fitness in Washington Square program.
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Connecting People to Places to Strengthen Local Economymethodology: place_based_connectivityBy linking residents and entrepreneurs to residential and commercial spaces and promoting local establishments via tools like interactive maps, we increase occupancy and visitation, because visibility and access drive economic activity and neighborhood vitality.
- Inclusive Community Engagement Drives Revitalizationmethodology: community-driven_revitalizationBy designing inclusive programs such as diverse fitness offerings and participatory planning, we cultivate broad-based community ownership and participation, because emotional connection and accessibility across demographics sustain long-term revitalization efforts.
- Placemaking for Economic and Community Vitalitymethodology: placemakingBy activating public spaces through events, programming, and temporary improvements, we increase foot traffic and community engagement, because vibrant, well-used spaces attract investment, support local businesses, and foster emotional attachment to downtown.
- Public-Private Collaboration for Sustainable Developmentmethodology: public_private_collaborationBy co-developing initiatives through public-private partnerships, we leverage shared resources and align stakeholder interests, because collaborative governance increases program sustainability and implementation capacity in urban revitalization.