Special Projects and Educational Initiatives

About Special Projects and Educational Initiatives 

Oversees the development and implementation of projects as requested by the Mayor. Responsible for defining, planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating the administration’s initiatives. Chairs the Mayor's Early Learning Commission and is the lead on education issues.

Contact Information

Office of Special Projects and Educational Initiatives
City Hall, Room 201-A
30 Church Street
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 428-7192

Liliana M. Ruiz, Director
Email: Liliana.Ruiz@cityofrochester.gov  

Special Projects and Educational Initiatives

RASE Commission
In acknowledgment of national and local calls for systemic and institutional change, the City of Rochester and County of Monroe partnered on a joint governmental response to address systemic issues of racial and structural inequities. Through this partnership, the Commission on Racial and Structural Equity (RASE) has been established to review, identify, and recommend changes to local laws that will eliminate inequity across our county. More information >>

Guaranteed Basic Income pilot program
The GBI program will provide $500 a month for one year to 175 individuals (limit one per household) in households with income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. The second year of the program will provide the same monthly amount to a different group of 175 individuals. Eligible recipients must be 18 years of age or older or emancipated adults and must be a current reside of the City of Rochester with at least one year of established residency in the city. More information >>

Career Pathways to Public Safety
In 2013, the City of Rochester in collaboration with the Rochester City School District reorganized the Firefighter Trainee program, which was originally established at East High School over 25 years ago. The Firefighter Trainee program was expanded to include other public safety disciplines and entered a partnership with Rochester City School District (RCSD) to provide a Career Pathways to Public Safety Program (CPPS) to increase minority representation in its uniformed divisions. CPPS is focused on increasing the awareness of career opportunities within City of Rochester Police (Law Enforcement), Rochester Fire Department, 911/Emergency Communications and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). More information >>

Pillars of Hope
An initiative program to combat the loss of traditional African American and Latino role models from our communities. Program recruits African American and Latino professionals, who, as a group, adopt a school where they make an impact with their presence. More information >>

Just Law
Just Law is a program to educate 6th through 9th grade students about the U.S. legal system. It is a collaborative effort to help middle school students and high school freshmen in the Rochester City School District better understand the law and our country’s legal system. More information >>