Clean Sweep Program (2007 LGAA)

City of Rochester (Winner)
County: Monroe County
Population: 50,000 +
City Hall: (585) 428-7045

The City of Rochester was looking to clean-up its city without the expense and investment in labor that often comes with these efforts. The Mayor's solution to this problem was the Clean Sweep program Clean Sweep is truly an example of a collaborative effort that brought together the resources of the City, volunteers, businesses, faith communities, neighborhood organizations and non-profits.

Beginning in April 2006, City crews worked to remove graffiti, sweep streets, repair street lights, clean alleys and other similar activities. Each week they focused on a different area, and those area residents were encouraged to clean up their own properties and report any problems for City crews to address. The City provided the volunteers with the tools and materials. In addition to manpower, area businesses and larger corporate sponsors provided other items such as food, t-shirts and other materials. City buses transported the volunteers around the City. At the end of six weeks with the help of 3,100 volunteers, the City successfully removed 1,500 tons of litter and completed 255 neighborhood projects. It is estimated that what was accomplished in six weeks would have taken more than two years to complete absent the Clean Sweep initiative. The project was such a success that a similar effort called Fall Sweep was held in October.

Clean Sweep also allowed the City to take a public and targeted approach to vacant property and the issues that go along with it including vandalism, illegal dumping arson and drugs. The City may also benefit financially through fewer foreclosures and abandoned properties. Already, demand for residential property within City limits has increased since the project was completed. These benefits have more than outweighed the expenditures associated with this project.

The successful management and implementation of this initiative was directly attributable to the joint partnership of the City's Department of Environmental Services and the City's Neighborhood Empowerment Teams. The two departments were able to overcome some of the common obstacles associated with interdepartmental cooperation to make this project a success.