Anti-Poverty Group Pushes for Living Wage and Housing Reforms in Rochester

Citizen Action of New York advocates for living wage, increased housing vouchers, public bank, and affordable housing changes

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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An anti-poverty group in Rochester, New York is hosting a community discussion on Monday to advocate for legislation they believe could improve conditions for the city's poor. Citizen Action of New York is pushing for a living wage indexed to inflation, more housing vouchers, the establishment of a public bank, and changes to the formula for affordable housing designation.

Why it matters

Rochester has the second-highest poverty rate and the highest childhood poverty rate among cities of its size. Many residents classified as poor have multiple jobs but still struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs and lack of assistance. The proposals from Citizen Action aim to address these systemic issues and provide more economic stability for low-income families.

The details

Brionna Dunn, a 33-year-old Rochester resident with a college degree who works two jobs, pays $1,875 in rent for a three-bedroom duplex, while the market rate is $1,895 and the state's temporary assistance is only $500. Citizen Action is advocating for four main proposals: a living wage indexed to inflation, increased housing vouchers, the establishment of a public bank in Rochester, and changes to the formula for affordable housing designation, which they say is not actually affordable for many inner-city residents.

  • Citizen Action of New York is hosting a community meeting on Monday, February 16, 2026 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church on Park Avenue.

The players

Citizen Action of New York

An anti-poverty group advocating for legislative reforms to address poverty and economic inequality in Rochester.

Brionna Dunn

A 33-year-old Rochester resident with a college degree who works two jobs but still struggles to afford her $1,875 rent for a three-bedroom duplex.

Jalil Muntaqim

The special project coordinator for Citizen Action of New York's Rochester chapter.

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What they’re saying

“It's difficult. It's difficult for sure. When you really have to budget down to the penny.”

— Brionna Dunn, Rochester Resident (whec.com)

“We have people working 2, 3, 4 jobs to make ends meet. And we need to have a living wage that's indexed with inflation.”

— Jalil Muntaqim, Special Project Coordinator, Citizen Action of New York (whec.com)

“They say they're building affordable housing, but affordable housing is not affordable for people living in the inner city.”

— Jalil Muntaqim, Special Project Coordinator, Citizen Action of New York (whec.com)

What’s next

The Rochester chapter of Citizen Action of New York is holding a community meeting on Monday, February 16, 2026 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church on Park Avenue to discuss their legislative proposals.

The takeaway

This story highlights the economic challenges faced by low-income residents in Rochester, New York, and the efforts of an anti-poverty group to push for policy changes that could provide more financial stability and affordable housing options for the city's poorest families.