Rochester hiring new Diversity Director

How it will improve the Med City

Covid?

"*19 tests./// as the city of rochester prepares to slash its budget by nearly 100?

"* million dollars... officials are carving out funds to hire the city's first?

"* ever director f diversity... equity... and inclusion.

Kimt news three's anthony monzon is live outside of rochester city hall with the details about the decision.

Anthony?

George... this is really an effort by city leadership to reinforce their commitment to making sure everyone has a seat at the table here in rochester.

And it comes on the heels of a study that frankly said there's room for improvement in the med city.

We've been following this story on kimt news 3 after a report found rochester is falling short of diverse representation in city hall.

That served as a call to action for many officials... and strengthened their resolve to bring in this new director of diversity equity and inclusion now.

There are of course critics who question the decision to add this new position at a time wn nearly every department in the city is facing budget cuts.

I spoke with mayor kim norton about those concerns and she tells me city leaders are willing to accept reductions to thier budget to ensure adequate representation "all of the departments are tightening their belt, that's true, and we knew that was going to come as a result of the pandemic.

But we also committed to having a first?

"* class city, an international city, america's city for health, and the only way we can do that is if we're a welcoming, compassionate and caring community for the visitors and people who live here."

Now it's important to note city council is still considering the proposed budget that includes funding for this position... so council could still decide to backtrack on the decision to make this hire.

Live in rochester... anthony monzon... kimt news thanks anthony.

Mayor norton says the city is eager to hire that new diversity director by the end of this year.