The Rochester City Council announced Sept. 21 that it has appointed Miguel Meléndez Jr. to fill its vacant at-large seat.
Meléndez’s term will last through Dec. 31, 2021. He replaces Jackie Ortiz, who resigned her position with the city council after being appointed as the Democratic commissioner for the Monroe County Board of Elections in August.
Meléndez, a Rochester native, is the chief community engagement officer at Ibero-American Action League. He has an extensive background in asset-based community development, organizing various efforts by building on community strength. Meléndez has led various efforts of the Ibero-American Development Corp., such as Project HOPE (Healthy Outcomes through Participation, Education and Empowerment) and Project CLEAN (Community, Law Enforcement & Assistance Network). In 2016, the El Camino Revitalization Area Charette and Vision plan was developed under Meléndez’s leadership, creating a visionary roadmap for Rochester’s El Camino neighborhood.
Meléndez is a graduate of East High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology at St. John Fisher College.
The city council conducted a special meeting via Zoom at 4 p.m. Sept. 24 to formally vote on legislation naming Meléndez to serve on the council. He took his oath of office at the end of the meeting.
