Mayor Lovely Warren and other city officials visited member-supported, DIY organization called Rochester Makerspace. Makerspace is home to tools that range from 3D printers to sewing machines, and work stations to use them. The space is intended to give people the resources they need to experiment, make prototypes, and collaborate.
Warren says Rochester has a history of fostering innovation and organizations like these are continuing that tradition.
"Really sparking people, their imagination, to create, to invest in themselves and possibly make that next great thing that will propel Rochester into the future."
Warren also introduced the new Director of Innovation, Neal Martin. He says organizations like Makerspace represent the innovative spirit that drew him to Rochester.
"When people come together, smart people with big ideas, that can really lead to jobs, thriving arts, all sorts of benefits."
Martin says the object of the office of innovation and strategic initiatives is to try to solve some of Rochester's oldest problems -- like poverty and safety -- in creative new ways.
