Malik D. Evans is the City of Rochester’s 71st Mayor. He is committed to creating a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester by inspiring hope and delivering opportunity for everyone. Inaugurated on Jan. 1, 2022, Mayor Evans has governed with a commitment to transparency and collaboration, concisely captured by his working mantra “It’s we, not me.” Working closely with governmental agencies and community partners, he established the Office of Financial Empowerment to support the economic mobility of city residents with a focus on entrepreneurship, home ownership and youth; the Office of Violence Prevention to confront the root causes of violent crime; expanded programs that foster the healthy development of Rochester’s youth; overseen several transformative capital programs, including ROC the Riverway and the Inner Loop North Transformation; and invested in projects and initiatives that advance the wellbeing of all residents in such areas as mental health, environmental justice, job creation, affordable housing and home ownership, especially in neighborhoods with histories of disinvestment. Mayor Evans held elected office as an at-large member of the Rochester City Council from 2017 to 2021; was a Commissioner of the Rochester Board of Education from 2003 to 2017, and served as Board President from 2008 to 2013. Before becoming Mayor, Mayor Evans worked as an officer in the banking industry for more than 20 years, holding leadership positions at M&T Bank Corporation and ESL Federal Credit Union. The son of parents who were committed to civic activism, civil rights, and social justice, his dual callings in elected office and the banking industry share the complementary ambitions to help others and share prosperity. He was born and raised in the city and graduated from Wilson Magnet High School before going on to earn his bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester and his master’s degree from Nazareth College (now Nazareth University) Mayor Evans is active on several national and state organizations representing the interests of U.S. cities. He is the board chair of the National Civic League; and a member of U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National League of Cities, the African American Mayors Association, the Strong Cities Coalition, Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway Cities, the Mayors Institute for City Design; and the New York Conference of Mayors. Mayor Evans and his wife Shawanda are the proud parents of two sons. He enjoys spending time with his family, attending concerts, and traveling to new places.