13 Reasons for Optimism in 2013

13 Reasons for Optimism

Downtown Rochester's population is growing. The city's population as a whole is stemming losses. This follows a national trend of people rediscovering cities.

13 Reasons for Optimism

Sibley has new owners. Winn Development has a proven track record of revitalizing old buildings. The company is already making improvements.

13 Reasons for Optimism

The city finally made a deal to rebuild Midtown Tower. The tower is a scar on Rochester's skyline and arguably the glue for the Midtown site redevelopment.

13 Reasons for Optimism

We have the Rochester International Jazz Festival.

13 Reasons for Optimism

The University of Rochester, the area's largest employer, shows no signs of slowing growth and has continued to add jobs.

13 Reasons for Optimism

Wegmans continues expanding in the northeast, opening its first store in Massachusetts in 2012. As Rochester's second-largest employer, the success of the supermarket chain is important to the region.

13 Reasons for Optimism

It looks like Kodak will emerge from bankruptcy. The patent sale completed, the company has secured exit financing. A liquidation would have caused more devastation.

13 Reasons for Optimism

Home sales and prices are on the rise in the Rochester region.

13 Reasons for Optimism

Rochester has been adding jobs at a faster rate than the rest of the state. Its unemployment rate has also fared better.

13 Reasons for Optimism

Rochester is ranked #2 in the nation for volunteers.

13 Reasons for Optimism

College Town appears to be forging ahead, which will be great for the Mt. Hope area and the University of Rochester, though I question the need for such heavy taxpayer subsidies.

13 Reasons for Optimism

The scientists at Rochester area colleges and firms continue to churn out patents. Perhaps some will lead to a new company employing hundreds of people.

13 Reasons for Optimism

The victims of the Christmas Eve shooting in Webster exemplified the best of our community. The Rochester region showed tremendous generosity, compassion and togetherness after the tragedy.