About Us

Reconnect Rochester is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization staffed and advised by a combination of ordinary citizens and experts who believe in a future where mobility is sustainable, accessible and equitable across Monroe County. Read more about our organizational values in our Vivid Description!

OUR MISSION:

Whether by bus, by rail, on bike, or on foot, Reconnect Rochester champions transportation choices that enable a more vibrant and equitable community.

OUR VISION:

We envision a community connected by a robust transportation network that makes it easy for everyone—regardless of physical or economic ability—to get around.

Reconnect Rochester will work tirelessly to make our community a place where everyone can easily and safely get around, regardless of age, ability, income or mode of transportation. We will help shift our community’s priorities to place people first, rehumanize our streets and integrate them with our neighborhoods.

We will connect transportation to equity, the environment, health, safety, and the economy. We will educate our community leaders and boldly advocate for a transportation system that provides mobility options and resource access for everyone. Reconnect Rochester’s work will help combat poverty, reduce climate change, improve the health and well-being of people in our community, save lives by reducing road violence, and bolster our local economy.

We will inspire and empower people to use various modes of transportation and experience the joy and freedom of getting around by bus, by rail, on bike or on foot. We will educate, motivate and amplify community efforts to call for equitable and safe streets in our neighborhoods.

We will be the leading local advocacy organization and recognized source for transportation facts and knowledge. We will highlight national mobility trends and ideas to inspire our community about what’s possible. We will have a seat at every table where transportation decisions are made and will hold government and local leaders accountable.

Funders will want to invest in Reconnect Rochester because they hold trust in our organization and see clear evidence of our impact. Community
partners will seek to collaborate with us to work toward our shared goals.

We will work with community leaders and decision-makers to create a region renowned for a robust transportation network made up of people-centric streets and public transit that integrates rather than segregates.

Our History

1995

 Rochester Rail Transit Committee (RRTC), a non-profit 501(c)3 grassroots citizen’s group dedicated to exploring and promoting the opportunities of rail transit in the greater Rochester area, was formed. Its focus was on rail transit’s ability to promote downtown and neighborhood revitalization.

Their goals were:

  • To inform community leaders about rail transit options and their benefits.
  • Educate the public about the benefits and possibilities of rail transit.
  • Promote all modes of transit, including bus transit.

2008

 Mike Governale founded the Rochester Subway blog to explore Rochester history, land use and transportation issues. The blog connected like-minded people and helped spark a great deal of “public dialogue around how we can better connect the neighborhoods of Rochester NY, surrounding communities, and their cultural offerings.” Though the blog wasn’t officially tied to Reconnect Rochester, it’s where many ideas germinated and took root in the community.

Here are some of our favorite entries:

Richard DeSarra and Jon Schull formed the Rochester Cycling Alliance (RCA) to unite local bike advocates and push for better bike infrastructure. They started Rochester Bike Week and had a huge role in the creation of the City’s 2011 Bike Master Plan.

2009

Mike Governale formed Reconnect Rochester to revive public discussion about building a modern streetcar line to promote pedestrian traffic and help revitalize downtown and inner ring neighborhoods. Since RRTC was no longer active, RRTC members became involved under Reconnect Rochester’s banner. The decision was ultimately made to revive RRTC, form a new board, and change that organization’s name to Reconnect Rochester while simultaneously broadening the mission from rail transit to rail transit and other transportation alternatives. This gave “Reconnect Rochester” its 501c3 status in 2013.

2011

 Reconnect Rochester collaborated with RGRTA and RTS to promote “Critical Mass Transit Day”. Reconnect Rochester organized the first ROC Transit Day in 2012, encouraging as many Monroe County residents as possible to go car-free for one day. Reconnect made it fun and the event got bigger and more festive each year.

2015

Rochester Street Films, our flagship programming to raise awareness and generate community discussion, launched in 2015 and continues to this day.

2016

Mary Staropoli was hired as our first staff member in 2016 as Director of Planning & Development.

2019

For many years, the RCA and Reconnect Rochester worked closely together to advocate for better and safer multimodal transportation options. The RCA more or less served as Reconnect’s unofficial biking arm. In 2019, Reconnect Rochester and the RCA decided to combine forces and Jesse Peers was brought on as Cycling Coordinator.

Looking to get involved? Contact us for more information on how to plug into our advocacy efforts across Monroe County.

Or consider making a donation! We are a member-supported organization and every contribution helps us to continue making difference.

“The key word for transportation in the 21st century is Choice.”

–Anthony Foxx, U.S. Secretary of Transportation

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