I’m proud to earn the endorsement of Rochester Democratic Socialists of America (ROC DSA) in my campaign for City Council. ROC DSA fights for a Rochester that puts people over profit to build a future that works for everyone. I have been proud to work along side them as a member to protect public spaces, fight for housing justice, and demand a government that serves everyone, not just the wealthy few.
During the fight to keep downtown from being privatized under a so-called “Business Improvement District” we learned that Speak to Council sessions weren’t being archived by the City of Rochester. That’s not right- and it’s something I believe those sessions should be recorded, broadcast and shared through the City’s Youtube Channel. I helped to launch community recordings of Speak to Council during the BID fight with ROC DSA, ensuring our community has access to public comments that would otherwise have been lost to time. This transparency matters—people deserve to hear their neighbors speak out on critical issues like housing, policing, and economic justice. ROC DSA’s commitment to holding power accountable has made a real difference in our city. On council, I will push to have the City restore this service.
Defending Public Spaces Through Organizing & Education
ROC DSA support was critical in educating the community about the dangers of a Business Improvement District (BID). Developers and wealthy property owners pushed for a BID in downtown Rochester that would have privatized public spaces, imposed an unelected board, and funneled resources away from community needs. But together, we stopped it. ROC DSA helped spread the word, showing how BIDs across the country have led to the displacement of working-class residents and small businesses while handing control to the wealthy few. Their collaboration, public education efforts, and organizing power helped us defeat the BID and protect our city from privatization.
In their endorsement, ROC DSA recognized our shared victories and the work ahead:
“Kelly Cheatle has been involved in the community for decades as an artist and community organizer. Their leadership in coalition-building and public education was instrumental in defeating the proposed Business Improvement District, preventing the privatization of downtown. With Kelly on City Council, we can ensure the BID stays defeated and that growth prioritizes the needs of the people to build a future that benefits everyone.”
We won that fight because we organized, educated, and stood together. Now, we need to take that same energy to City Hall. We must make sure development reflects community needs, protect renters from displacement, and demand transparency in government.
I’m running for City Council to keep fighting for a Rochester where working people—not corporations—shape our future. I’m grateful for ROC DSA’s support and the movement we’re building together.
Let’s win this election and build a Rochester that works for all of us.