Debbie Jones Rochester City Mayor

05/19/2026

Last night, we had a nearly 5 hour Board meeting. Many items were discussed, but I wanted to share one in particular.

A divided Board voted 5-2 to issue an RFP to sell our former administration building at 501 University. The final resolution was the result of a great deal of compromise between Trustees Lauzon, Litkouhi, Anness, Wynn Perdue and me. Trustees Bueltel and Alspach made passionate and deeply felt arguments to retain the building, but the majority of the Board voted to divest.

This will be a long process, and in the end, the Board will consider the top three offers at a public meeting at the end of October. Each of us has different priorities or visions for the property, but for me, the highest purchase price will carry a great deal of weight. Others are looking for community benefit and other factors. The important part is that all of this will be completely transparent to the community.

Last night was an example that we can make hard decisions, bridge ideologies and alliances, listen to one another, and compromise. I will continue to share information as it becomes available on this issue that is very important to our community.

05/18/2026

I had the privilege of attending and speaking at an American 250 dedication event at Mt. Avon Cemetery. DAR Stoney Creek Chapter, NSDAR had a mission to place a marker in the old burial grounds and to honor the 3 American Revolutionary Patriot Soldiers buried in Mt. Avon Cemetery. These men risked their lives and fortunes for American Independence. Thanks to Dave Carter, RHS Rochester Robotics Team - The FEDS 201, Boy Scout Troop 125, City of Rochester, Michigan - Government, for the work that was done preparing for this event. Thank you to the American250MI committee for the grant to pay for the marker. A big thank you to Stoney Creek Chapter, NSDAR, for all the hard work putting together and hosting this moving celebration!

05/16/2026

05/12/2026

Congratulations to the West PTA who earned the designation of National PTA School of Excellence, being one of just three schools in Michigan to receive that status. Through this program, West Middle School was selected to receive a grant in partnership with Walmart.

04/30/2026

I had the pleasure of attending 3 fundraisers in 4 days. I volunteered at the Rochester Rotary Wine & Beer Tasting Event at Bordines Nursery. Then I attended the Sips For SAVES Project event at the Roxy and ended Saturday night at the Royal Park for the On The Wings of Angelss fundraiser. It is inspiring to see so many people giving of their time, talents, and hearts for these non-profits. Feeling inspired!

04/26/2026

In the City of Rochester, Michigan - Government, this week we celebrated not only Arbor Day and Earth Day. We also recognized the retirement of our City Clerk, Lee Ann O'Connor, and the past 3 city clerks with newly planted trees honoring their service to Rochester.

04/21/2026

The City of Rochester, Michigan - Government has been recognized as the eighth Bird Michigan community!
Rochester is committed to environmental sustainability, creating and protecting bird and wildlife habitat, and engaging the public in bird-friendly actions. Congratulations to the Bird City Rochester team, including Rochester City Beautiful Commission, Rochester City Council, Parks Dept., and Clinton River Watershed Council. Learn more about Bird City Michigan, and Rochester's efforts to protect birds and nature here: https://birdcity.org/michigan

04/17/2026

I was delighted to attend the Rochester City Skate Park groundbreaking. Thanks to the dedication, hard work, and patience of Von and Linda Gallaher and their supporters, the skate park is a reality. The support from the Rochester City Council was the final piece that got it over the finish line. I am looking forward to the ribbon-cutting. What a great day that will be!

04/14/2026

AMERICA 250 DEDICATION CEREMONY...

Saturday, May 16
3-4pm
Taking place at Mount Avon Cemetery in Rochester
Free and Open to the public

Stoney Creek Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, is presenting this ceremony in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. The ceremony will include recognition of three Revolutionary War Patriots buried in the cemetery – Nathaniel Baldwin, Cyrus Chipman, and George Horton. Additionally, the chapter will present a new National Society Daughters of the American Revolution America 250 Marker.

04/13/2026

Join us! 🇺🇸🌎🌳10am Hall 4/22