A key figure in this decade’s debate over the future of downtown Rochester is leaving for a new role in Washington, D.C.
Galin Brooks will be stepping down as leader of Rochester Downtown Development Corp., the organization announced on May 18.
Brooks, who began her position as president and CEO in mid-June 2022, worked to expand the organization’s programming, partnerships, visibility and role as a convener for downtown revitalization.
During her time with RDDC, Brooks pushed to establish a business improvement district for downtown Rochester, serving as an administrator for the project. Before coming to Rochester, Brooks had prior expertise in BIDs, having worked on two of them in Washington.
Galin Brooks at heart of fierce 2024 debate over downtown Rochester BID Plan
The BID effort was led by RDDC and the Partnership for Downtown Rochester with a mission to revitalize downtown’s core by levying a special tax to property owners within the proposed district in exchange for special services that would make downtown more attractive to businesses, developers and consumers.
“With a BID, the right tools can be in place to grow jobs, support small and local businesses, and reinvigorate the magnetic and bustling heart of Rochester, ” Brooks said at the time.
Despite efforts Brooks and others made in promoting the benefits of a BID for Rochester, many people in the community were not on board. Opponents viewed the Rochester BID proposal as gentrification and 21st-century redlining that would squeeze out low-income residents and some businesses downtown while serving as a cash grab by developers and landowners.
After considerable debate, the proposal to establish a BID in downtown Rochester died in 2024.
Under Brooks’ leadership, downtown events grew
During Brooks’ tenure, according to a press release, RDDC welcomed more than 67,000 people to free outdoor community events, some under the Downtown Definitely project. RDDC also grew its programmatic activities threefold. The organization also crafted new partnerships to launch initiatives that enhance livability and drive business vitality downtown.
She recently led the RDDC Board of Directors through a strategic planning process designed to set up the next steps for the organization and set the next leader up for success.
Steve Dubnik, board chair of RDDC and president & CEO of The Strong National Museum of Play, commended Brooks for her leadership, energy and commitment to downtown Rochester.
“Galin has helped strengthen RDDC’s role as a catalyst, connector and advocate for our city center,” Dubnik said in a press release. “Her work has helped create a solid foundation for the organization’s next chapter. We are grateful for her service and wish her continued success in Washington, DC.”
Brooks said she was thankful to have been part of the revitalization of downtown Rochester over the last four years.
“It has been an honor and privilege working with the board of RDDC, downtown community leaders, public sector partners, residents, businesses, aligned nonprofits and the many generous funding partners who have supported our work,” Brooks said in a press release. “The trajectory for downtown Rochester is up and RDDC will continue to do great work to help realize its full potential.”
As Brooks departs from her role, Heidi Zimmer-Meyer will serve as interim president of RDDC starting June 1. Zimmer-Meyer is the past president of RDDC, having served as the organization’s longtime leader for nearly two decades before retiring in June 2022.
A regional search for Brooks’ replacement will begin in June.
—Kerria Weaver works as the Government and You reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle, with a focus on how government actions affect communities and neighborhoods in Rochester and in Monroe County.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Galin Brooks, key figure in 2024 Rochester BID debate, steps down
Reporting by Kerria Weaver, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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