Rochester Mayor Malik Evans and other area mayors are making a push for increased funding during the New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials.

The statewide media tour is urging Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state legislature to increase unrestricted aid to cities and villages. 

"We know that the AIM formula has short-changed Rochester for many years," said Evans. "We calculated that just for Rochester alone, if we got our fair share, it would equal probably about $34 million. We could do a lot with that money that would support our city."

The mayor is referring to aid and incentives for municipalities. Evans says the formula for distributing the funding hasn't changed in 15 years and hasn't kept up with inflation.

The tour is also touting legislative priorities that touch upon finance, employee relations, public safety, government operations, community redevelopment, energy, technology and the environment.

Evans joined conference officials on Monday as they travel across the state. Rochester was the third stop for the conference. Tuesday it will continue in Buffalo, followed by Albany on Wednesday.