Name: The State of Housing in Monroe County
Start: 2026-03-25T17:30:00-04:00
End: 2026-03-25T20:00:00-04:00
Location: The Strong National Museum of Play

Join us for the 20th Annual ReShaping Rochester Speaker Series to explore Monroe County housing trends, development, and future strategies.
About this Event

With rising housing costs, limited supply, and rapid redevelopment across Monroe County, this conversation is especially timely for residents, neighborhoods, and local leaders working to shape a more equitable future. Speakers will share insights drawn from their professional experience and engage in a meaningful panel discussion about housing opportunities and challenges facing our region today.

Social Hour from 5:30- 6:30pm / Panel Discussion 6:30 - 8pm

Featured Speakers:

• Ana J. Liss – Director of Planning and Development, Monroe County
Ana J. Liss leads the Monroe County Department of Planning and Development, where she oversees community development, economic planning, and initiatives that support equitable growth across the region. In addition to her role directing county planning efforts, Ana serves as Executive Director of the Monroe County Industrial Development Corporation and County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency, helping to advance economic development projects that strengthen neighborhoods and expand housing and job opportunities throughout Monroe County.

• Eric Van Dusen – Manager, Community Impact, ESL Federal Credit Union
Eric Van Dusen brings decades of experience in community development and housing-related work throughout the Rochester area. In his current role directing Community Impact efforts for ESL, he focuses on building strong neighborhoods through partnerships, grant initiatives, and community investment programs. Eric’s background includes roles with NeighborWorks Rochester, Grace Urban Ministries, The Housing Council, and public sector economic development, giving him a broad perspective on strategies to strengthen housing access and neighborhood vitality.

• Jim Yockel – Chief Executive Officer, Greater Rochester Association of Realtors
Jim Yockel leads the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors (GRAR), where he works with local stakeholders on housing market trends, residential real estate dynamics, and policy issues affecting buyers and sellers in the region. Under his leadership, GRAR provides data and advocacy on housing availability and affordability, including insights into the challenges of limited inventory and rising prices in Monroe County’s housing market.