Rochester is a regional downtown shared by our residents and those of our neighboring communities. All are welcome and encouraged to enjoy our classic Main Street with businesses designed to satisfy diverse shopping, entertaining and service needs. We have a strong link to nature through our parks, waterways and trails. We are proud of our historic roots, continuously adapt to meet the changing needs of the present, and collaboratively work together to improve the quality of life of our community as we embrace the future.

The Principal Shopping District (PSD) oversees the promotional and marketing activities in Downtown Rochester. The PSD is a self-imposed assessment funded by the property owners in the business district. The PSD Board along with members of the Promotions Committee and DDA staff develop and implement comprehensive promotions programs to include a balance of retail-driven events, special community events, general awareness campaigns, cooperative advertising and marketing partnerships. These activities include The Big, Bright Light Show, the Downtown Rochester Farmers' Market, Rochester's signature In Town Magazine, as well as events such as Movies in the Moonlight, the Kris Kringle Market and the Fire & Ice Festival. The PSD Board meets the second Tuesday of every month at 5:30pm at Rochester City Hall.

The Rochester Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was established in 1982 to enhance the quality of life for the City of Rochester residents through revitalization of the downtown district. The DDA utilizes the Main Street Four-Point Approach, a guiding set of principles for downtown management as set forth by the National Main Street Center, a division of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Four-Point Approach includes Design, Organization, Promotions and Economic Restructuring. The DDA has standing committees assigned to execute the tasks of each of the four points. Downtown Rochester is a member of Main Street Oakland County, the first county-wide Main Street program in the country.