"Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, 

are men who want crops without plowing up the ground." —Frederick Douglass

Mary Lupien
Rochester City Council - East District

Our community has made it clear they are committed to the work of creating a more equitable city, even when confronted with unprecedented challenges in housing, violence, mental health, and substance abuse. 
We must continue to confront the status quo and seek bold, innovative policies and transformational projects that will serve all residents and not only those with power, money, and influence. 
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News & Events

August 16th 7pm

Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” is multi-faceted and while there are valid criticisms of it, what is resonating with many women is its commentary on the female experience. 

Come out to view the film and take part in the panel discussion unpacking the Patriarchy with insights from amazing Rochester women leaders!

Get Tickets at thelittle.org



We did it! I am proud to say that I received over 57% of the vote and was successful in my campaign to continue to represent you on Council- despite the immense amount of money, power, and energy spent to erase us and our work. This victory is a mandate for increasing access to quality, affordable housing, expanding community safety, and focusing our resources directly on our youth and families.

WXXI coverage of the race

Primary voters in Monroe County head to the polls on Tuesday, June 27. One of the races they’ll see on the ballot is for Rochester City Council’s East District. This hour, we’re joined by the two candidates in that race: Mary Lupien and Paul Conrow. We sit down with them to discuss their platforms and priorities for office

Mary appointed to National Community Response Commission

Excited to announce that I’m a member of the CSG Justice Center’s first-ever, national Expanding First Response Commission with experts and leaders from across the country to discuss community responder methods of first response and develop recommendations for policymakers to plan, implement, and expand community responder models at the federal and statewide level.

To learn more https://tinyurl.com/CSGEFRC

Rochester Elected Officials, Community Groups: Pass NY Public Banking Act


Elected Officials gathered to call on Albany to Pass the NY Public Banking Act March 3rd. In the public bank model, banking and credit become public utilities, sustaining the economy rather than extracting from it for private gain. The interest and profits generated by the bank belong to the community, and they are returned to the community because they operate in the public interest by law. That means they must support a real, wealth-building economy.



Rochester leaders urge New York lawmakers to pass the All-Electric Building Act

If passed, the All-Electric Building Act would prioritize the construction of all-electric buildings, making them more cost-effective and health-conscious while providing more local job opportunities.

"It will create over 200,000 jobs by 2040, by building to higher efficiency standards and using building science we can provide affordable reliable heating, air conditioning, and hot water for all New Yorkers," said Ryan Puckett from Home Energy BPCA.




Metro Justice Annual Meeting Keynote Address

Metro Justice's strength comes from their members, the annual meeting helps shape this year's direction! Hear reports from campaigns, approve the 2023 budget, and elect a new Metro Justice Council as well as hear from this year's Keynote Speaker, Rochester City Council VP Mary Lupien.

Mental Health Crisis Response:
How Has It Changed Since Daniel Prude's Death?

Rochester's Person In Crisis (PIC) Team was created to handle Mental Health 911 calls in the wake of Daniel Prude’s death at the hands of the police. Hear from insiders and knowledgeable outsiders to find out how PIC works. 

Forum on 24/7 Bathroom Access

Panelists from Rochester, Fairport, and Portland discuss the importance of restroom access. Whether it's the desperate parents of a toddler, a morning jogger, or one of our houseless community members, having public restrooms available 24/7 is a basic human dignity and it will increase the quality of life for all downtown residents and visitors. 

Campaign for a Public Utility 

Metro Justice and Rochester City Council Vice President Mary Lupien hosted Rochester for Energy Democracy Town Hall meeting to share frustrations with RG&E and to learn what steps City Council can take to replace RG&E with a community-owned utility that will be more affordable, accountable, and climate-conscious.

Panel on Public Safety, Route Fifty Future Cities Summit

A panel discussion exploring what the future of cities could look like with innovative, equitable policymaking. 

Rochester City Council Vice President Mary Lupien participated in a panel discussion on public safety at the Route Fifty Future Cities Summit.

Op-Ed: New York Can Lead in Reimagining Public Safety. Here’s How.

Rochester City Council Vice President Mary Lupien and New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif co-authored an op-ed for Next City.

"The safest communities are not those with the most police; they are the ones with the most resources."