Welcome

“Keeping Buffalo’s neighborhoods clean is a top priority of mine, as well as our residents,” said Mayor Brown.  “Once again, we are bringing all hands on deck to make sure our neighborhoods are clean as we head into the warmer months.  I am proud of the collaboration between so many community partners and commend the efforts of our Clean Sweeps participants to improve the overall quality of life in Buffalo. I look forward to ensuring that our neighborhoods continue to shine this season.”

Read More...

Mayor Brown, State Historic Preservation Office Release Inventory Of Historic Downtown Buildings

April 14, 2014 - The recently completed Buffalo Preservation Ready Survey serves as a resource guide for developers to easily identify downtown Buffalo’s great stock of properties that are ready for creative reuse and eligible for historic preservation tax credit incentives; it builds on efforts to drive more housing and mixed use development in Buffalo, while also preserving historic structures.

Mayor Byron Brown and Ruth Pierpont, Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, along with the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation (BUDC) and Buffalo Niagara Partnership (BNP), rolled out the recently completed Buffalo Preservation Ready Survey, initiated by the Buffalo Building Reuse Project (BBRP) to update and expand the inventory of historic buildings in downtown Buffalo.  This new unique tool targets the development community, making it easier for developers to identify properties that are eligible for historic preservation tax credit incentives that may help further the rehabilitation of a property.

“Buffalo’s historic buildings help to define who we are as a city, and restoring these properties creates construction jobs and new opportunities, while also promoting Buffalo’s growing heritage tourism industry,” said Mayor Brown. “The Buffalo Preservation Ready Survey is a resource to the development community and encourages historic preservation in Buffalo by providing valuable information about existing historic downtown properties and their character-defining features, as well as incentives offered through City, State and Federal historic preservation tax credit programs.  I thank Governor Cuomo for his continued focus on Buffalo and recognizing the value of our city’s rich history and historic properties.”

Read More...

City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA)

RFP - Sale of Market Arcade Cinema Complex - 639-643 Main Street & 628 Washington Street, Buffalo NY - Click here for details...

Mayor Brown Kicks Off 13th Annual Reading Rules

April 10, 2014 - Mayor Byron Brown, joined by students from PS #32 Bennett Park Montessori, kicked off the Mayor’s annual, Reading Rules! Kids Summer Reading Challenge. The summer program, in its 13th year, is designed to help students maintain and improve their reading and writing skills during the summer months.

“I am always excited this time of the year,” said Mayor Byron Brown. “We want to make sure that students in Buffalo avoid the ‘summer slide’ and retain the knowledge they have gained during the school year.”

“Reading Rules!” began in 2001, when Mayor Brown served in the New York State Senate, as a way to address the literacy problem in New York State, specifically in Buffalo and Western New York. Mayor Brown started the literacy effort to encourage schoolchildren to read books throughout the summer, and submit written summaries of each book they had read.

Read More...

City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA)

RFP - Sale of Market Arcade Cinema Complex - 639-643 Main Street & 628 Washington Street, Buffalo NY - Click here for details...

Mayor Brown Celebrates The Beginning Of The Easter Season At The Broadway Market

April 4, 2014 - Mayor Byron Brown, joined by Father Theodore Bocianowski, pastor of St. Stanislaus R.C. Church, other elected officials and members of the community, officially cut the ribbon at The Broadway Market today, signifying the beginning of the Easter Season here in Buffalo.

“It’s fun to be at The Broadway Market during the Easter Season,” said Mayor Brown. “The Easter Season means the return of the Easter Bunny, butter lambs, spring inspired chocolates, pastries, arts & crafts, flowers and other delights.  Under one roof, we have many businesses and various products that the entire community enjoys.  I encourage city residents and visitors to stop by and see all that the historic Broadway Market has to offer.”

The Easter season at The Broadway Market is now officially underway.   Over the past year, the city has continued its efforts to ensure the viability of the popular neighborhood destination. Investing $200,000 in structural improvements and working with the New York Power Authority to install Solar Panels, in an effort to reduce electricity costs, are just two of the investments made by the city to the 126-year-old market. 

A great asset to small businesses here in Buffalo, The Broadway Market continues to give entrepreneurs a space to conduct business. This year, two new permanent vendors have been added:   Gypsy Gelato and D.J. Jamaican Spices.  The Easter Season will highlight several featured vendors, Buffalo Themed Soaps, Sweet du Jour Bake Goods, Angel Lights & Gifts, First Light Farm & Creamery, Sassy Sweets and My Buffalo Tee Shirt.    Read More...

Mayor Brown, Superintendent Brown Announce Highlights Of First Annual Buffalo Public School's Science Week

April 2, 2014 - Mayor Byron W. Brown and Buffalo Schools Superintendent Pamela C Brown, joined by The University at Buffalo, SUNY College at Buffalo State, Erie Community College, Buffalo Business Leaders and Elected Leaders, The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) and the Buffalo Public Schools, announced highlights of The Buffalo Public School District Inaugural Science Week, scheduled to take place April 7-11, with a special observance of NANO Day, on April 10, 2014.  The first annual city-wide Science underscores the critical importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields to future employment in Western New York’s emerging life sciences and advanced manufacturing industries.

“I’m happy to join in this celebration of the Buffalo Public Schools Inaugural Science Week,” said Mayor Brown.  “Opportunities in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are growing in Buffalo and our city’s continued focus on STEM education is a natural fit that will ensure we continue to provide the workforce necessary for high tech employers to thrive. I recognize everyone involved in this year’s inaugural Science Week for their role in helping to strengthen the pipeline between the classroom and the workplace.  A special thanks to SUNY Trustee Eunice Lewin for organizing and chairing the program.”

“In the Buffalo Public Schools, we have heard the call from President Obama, who has said, “The development of world-class talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is critical to America’s global leadership”,” said Dr. Brown.   “In offering our students a world-class education, we are excited and fortunate to have the partners we do, who are helping us to prepare our students for the more than one million careers over the next decade requiring STEM skills.”

Read More...

Mayor Brown Joins Nationwide Effort To Recognize Impace Of National Service

April 1, 2014 - Mayor Brown again joins more than 1,000 mayors across the country for the second annual Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service, a nationwide bipartisan effort to highlight the impact of national service in tackling city problems.  Mayor Brown hosted a rally at the Montante Cultural Center, recognizing the over 1,500 AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers who actively engaged in service in the city of Buffalo.

“National service is a vital resource for our city,” said Mayor Brown.  “AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps participants have a positive and long lasting impact, improving the quality of life for many of our residents in communities throughout Buffalo.  As Mayor, I am grateful for the dedication and hard work and efforts of these citizens and I am honored to acknowledge those who are helping make our great city stronger and healthier.”

Linda Cohen, the newly appointed Executive Director for New York State Commission on National and Community Service, made her first visit to Buffalo to attend today’s rally. "Western New York has a long and proud history of citizen involvement in civic life and in helping one another in times of need," said Cohen. "Buffalo has been a stalwart supporter of national service programs throughout its history, and we thank Mayor Brown for continuing that tradition today."

Read More...

Mayor Brown, Congressman Higgins Announce The Start Of An $11.3 Million Makeover For Ohio Street

April 1, 2014 - Construction begins on a plan to transform Ohio Street into a tree-lined parkway linking Buffalo’s inner and outer harbors; City of Buffalo allocates $1.2 million to the project 

Construction on an $11.3 million plan to turn Ohio Street into a tree-lined parkway linking Buffalo’s inner and outer harbors began today. Mayor Byron Brown and Congressman Brian Higgins announced that the city has moved forward with the construction phase of a 1.4 mile stretch of Ohio Street, between Michigan Avenue and Fuhrmann Boulevard.  Read More...

“Buffalo is on the move and today’s announcement is another great example of the continued progress and redevelopment of Buffalo’s waterfront,” said Mayor Brown.  “I am proud of the progress we continue to make along our waterfront.  Transforming Ohio Street into a pedestrian-friendly parkway will further strengthen the infrastructure and provide an essential link between Buffalo’s inner and outer harbors.”

“This is just the start of another great season of progress,” said Congressman Brian Higgins.  “The conversion of Ohio Street into a riverfront parkway is a critical link in the chain connecting the business community and local neighborhoods to the many points of transformation along our waterfront stretching from Canalside to the Outer Harbor.  Like the reconstruction of Fuhrmann Boulevard into the Outer Harbor Parkway, this will be a high-impact project turning a crumbling roadway into a destination with many great public features.”

Read More...

Mayor Brown Celebrates Women's History Month At City Hall

March 31, 2014 - In honor of Women’s History Month, March 2014, Mayor Byron Brown and the City of Buffalo Commission on Citizens’ Rights & Community Relations today recognized Dress for Success Buffalo and nine local women who exemplify character, courage, and commitment.

“I’m proud to dedicate a month to honoring and studying the rich legacy of women’s contributions to the City of Buffalo, our nation and the world,” said Mayor Brown.  “I know that the lives and accomplishments of these women and organizations gathered here will inspire girls and women to realize their highest potential.”

Every March, America recognizes women and their contributions to history. This year's theme is "Celebrating Women of Character, Courage, and Commitment.”

Mayor Brown and the City of Buffalo Commission on Citizens’ Rights & Community Relations recognized Dress for Success Buffalo and the following nine women as part of this year’s National Women’s History Month celebration in Buffalo:


Read More...

Mayor Brown Reveals Contents Of 1920 Time Capsule

March 28, 2014 -The time capsule was found by workers as they were digging up part of the 500 Block of Main Street as part of the ‘Returning Cars to Main Street’ project in Buffalo

Mayor Byron Brown, along with DPW Commissioner Steve Stepniak, The Buffalo History Museum Executive Director Melissa Brown, Catherine Gillespie of the Buffalo Arts Commission and others, revealed the contents today of a time capsule, dating back to May 15, 1920.  Contractor Mark Cerrone’s team found the sealed copper box on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 in the foundation of “The Hiker” statue, located at Roosevelt Square, where improvements continue as part of the of the redevelopment of the 500-block of Main Street.  

“The time capsule shows a glimpse into the past,” said Mayor Brown, noting that the time capsule was found during the redevelopment of the city’s effort to return two-way traffic to downtown Buffalo.   “While Buffalo is on the move, with over $4.3 billion in new economic development activity underway, a piece of Buffalo’s history is being revealed.  It’s interesting to see what city residents in 1920 thought would be interesting and important to us.”

Read More...

Mayor Brown Announces $500,000 Great Lakes Grant For Greener Infrastructure To Improve Water Quality In Lake Erie

March 24, 2014 - On behalf of the Buffalo Sewer Authority, the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and the Department of Public Works, Mayor Byron W. Brown today thanked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approving a $500,000 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant to the City of Buffalo to fund green infrastructure projects to improve water quality in Lake Erie.

“Water quality improvement is crucial - for our environment, ecosystem, and our residents’ quality of life and this particular project is part of a much larger effort to revitalize Buffalo’s Niagara Street neighborhood,” said Mayor Brown.  “Today’s announcement is another example of how collaboration is creating green development opportunities along Buffalo’s waterfront, while strengthening a highly visible corridor that adds to the great progress underway in our city.”

The City of Buffalo and the Buffalo Sewer Authority will use the $500,000 EPA grant, along with $500,000 in funding from Empire State Development, to construct green infrastructure projects along a targeted 1-mile section of Niagara Street.

Read More...