Engaging Rochester Symposium

This is a two-day symposium honoring the life and legacy of Gene DePrez, civic innovator and visionary founder of Rochester’s Urbanarium. Day two events will be held at the Kate Gleason Auditorium, 1st floor, Bausch & Lomb Building, Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County, 115 South Ave.

Day two events include:

10:00 a.m. Panel 1:  Design for a Greater Rochester: Past, Present, and Future
As Rochester celebrates the 50th anniversary of its iconic city mark, communications professionals, graphic designers, and historians reflect on the role design plays in encouraging citizen engagement with government.

11:45 a.m. Panel 2: Centering Citizens: Democratizing City Planning 
Residents, City Leaders, and an Historian discuss the role of neighborhood input in shaping City Planning.

1:00-1:45 p.m.: Lunch (free with pre-registration)

2:00-4:00 p.m.: Workshop: Build a Better Rochester: Workshop on Advocating for Inclusive Housing
This interactive workshop builds on the legacy of Gene DePrez's work and his 1968 film, 'Think About It,' empowering participants to advocate effectively for more inclusive and ample housing options across our city and region. Drawing inspiration from the economic and moral arguments successfully employed by DePrez and the Housing Council, this session will equip you with concrete data, essential tools, powerful talking points, and relevant history. You will leave prepared to draft a persuasive speech or letter for a Town Board or City Council meeting.


Contact
Tamar Carroll
5854756095
This event may be photographed/videoed by RIT. By attending, you grant Rochester Institute of Technology (“RIT”) permission to use photographs and/or audio-visual recordings in which you appear, now and in the future, for illustration, promotion, art, editorial, advertising, and trade, or any other purpose.
Event Snapshot
When and Where
January 31, 2026
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Room/Location: Kate Gleason Auditorium, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County
Who

Open to the Public

CostFREE
Interpreter Requested?

No

Topics
faculty
partnerships
staff