Rochester State of the City - October 19, 2026

The City of Rochester’s State of the City address and Graham building ribbon cutting took place October 19, 2026. The building, described as nearly ten years in the making, was completed under budget. Its funding included nearly $1 million from Oakland County and financing from Chief Financial Credit Union to acquire the land, with support from city taxpayers, the mayor and City Council, and the Downtown Development Authority. Speakers credited FRS, ReWall, and AK Architects with construction and design work. The DDA said the building will host a winter farmers market and other community events; no contract award or procurement vote was reported during the meeting.

The mayor highlighted completed and planned capital projects, including playground upgrades, trail and bridge work, road resurfacing, the skatepark, and the Community House renovation. Project updates noted Oakland County and Road Commission funding partnerships for road work and a Michigan DNR Trust Fund grant for the planned Elizabeth Park project. The police chief said City Council had approved two new police vehicles, and the fire chief announced that a new Sutphen 100-foot aerial ladder truck is expected next month to replace a 26-year-old vehicle; no purchase amount was given. The city reported a June 2026 pre-audit operating surplus of $1.2 million and more than $1 million in grants.