Meet Miguel
As I prepared to run for re-election, I had breakfast with my Tío (uncle), who shared a story to remind me of my roots. He told me about my father—a man who dropped out of school in 7th grade in Orocovis, Puerto Rico to work the land and help his family make ends meet. A humble soul who moved to Rochester in the 1970s for a better life.
Fast forward to 1986: My father’s first and only son was born. He poured his all into me—teaching me the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion.
But life threw curveballs. In 1995, I lost my mother in a tragic accident when I was just 9. By 2001, I lost my father too. At 15, I was left to figure life out. Thank God for my eldest sister Melissa, who took in my younger sister and me, guiding us through those tough years.
At my father’s funeral, I made a promise: I would get my education. And I did—becoming the first in my family to graduate from college with a Bachelor’s degree.
My story is one of perseverance. As my Tío put it, it’s the story of the Puerto Rican diaspora—a story of my ancestors' dreams realized, of a kid from the barrio off Hollenbeck Street rising above challenges to give back to the community that shaped him.
Over the years, I’ve learned to lead, to listen, and to serve with integrity. These experiences prepared me for the honor of serving as a Councilmember and Council President over the past three years.
Serving the community in City Government has taught me so much, and my work is not done. I am committed to continuing my journey to serve on Rochester City Council again, and I need your support to make it happen.
Together, we can continue building a Rochester that uplifts all its residents. I will continue my focus on Safer Neighborhoods, Quality Housing and Equitable Access to Opportunities. Get involved in my campaign efforts in any way that feels right to you. I appreciate all your support, time, and resources to help me get my message out to the public.
A Message from Miguel
Miguel A. Meléndez Jr. is a Rochester native with significant experience in community development, grassroots organizing, and executive leadership.
Professionally, Miguel is the Chief Community Engagement officer at Ibero-American Action League, sharing his time and talents to improve planning efforts, create partnerships, enhance case management services, and support residents in their quest to improve quality of life in their neighborhoods.
Miguel has an extensive background in Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), organizing various efforts by building on community strengths. He has the proven ability to address community concerns and has worked collaboratively with residents to address everyday issues such as improving public safety in neighborhoods, addressing housing issues, and creating access to opportunities for our citizens.
Miguel has led various efforts of the Ibero-American Development Corporation such as Project HOPE (Healthy Outcomes through Participation, Education & Empowerment) addressing the social determinants of health and Project CLEAN (Community, Law Enforcement & Assistance Network), a Department of Justice funded effort to tackle challenges related to the opioid epidemic in Rochester. In 2016, the El Camino Revitalization Area Charrette & Vision Plan was developed under Miguel’s leadership, creating a visionary roadmap for the El Camino neighborhood. Since that time, exciting projects have emerged, such as the International Plaza project, upgrades to Don Samuel Torres Park, and the Pueblo Nuevo housing project.
In his first full term in office, Miguel has led various initiatives in city government. As Council President, Miguel focused on developing backbone staff in the council office to focus on policy development, research, committee support and community engagement as a co-equal branch of city government. Key investments under Miguel’s leadership include over $75M to replace potentially hazardous lead water lines, investments in library renovations, the enhancements at Maplewood Park and the future Nature Center, upgrades to Peace Village, and many housing investments to include new Home Ownership development programs.
Pushing workforce development activities in the city has been a priority, and Miguel has led the charge with the “Roc the Block” Community Employment Fairs in all four quadrants of the city. Miguel has also supported the administration in pushing innovative solutions such as the Neighborhood Ambassador program. New Initiatives such as “Neighbors in Action” and efforts to allocate Opioid Settlement dollars will be a primary focus of the upcoming year (2025) while also ensuring your rights as a Rochesterian and community member are protected.
Miguel is a product of the Rochester City School District and a graduate of East High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in philosophy at St. John Fisher University. He is a husband, father of three, and a proud Northeast Rochester resident. Miguel enjoys spending time with his family and finding other ways to serve his community through various boards and volunteer opportunities.