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Today, Mayor Byron Brown, joined by Congressman Brian Higgins, members of the Buffalo Common Council, New York State Legislature, Empire State Development Corporation, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA), Buffalo Place, Shea’s Performing Arts Center and business community, marked the completion of the $8 million redevelopment of the 600 Block of Main Street with a ceremonial vehicular parade along this premier stretch of Main Street. 

“Reopening downtown Main Street for business and entertainment is a real game-changer for Buffalo and it’s exciting to see vehicles now rolling down this stretch of Main Street for the first time in decades,” said Mayor Brown, noting that vehicles will share this block with the Light Rail Rapid Transit (LRRT), bicycles and pedestrians.  “Today marks a new era for downtown Buffalo and its vibrant theater, restaurant and business district. I thank Congressman Higgins and Senator Schumer for working closely with us to secure federal funding to complete this project, paving the way for increased business and economic activity in the downtown area.”

“Main Street’s downtown bookends at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and Canalside are already bustling with activity but until now, cars went around Main Street instead of down Main Street,” said Congressman Higgins. “With this project Main Street again becomes the front door to Downtown Buffalo businesses, theaters, restaurants, residences and retail shops, returning the vibrancy and critical mass needed to continue Buffalo’s economic resurgence.”

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White Collar Workers Approve New Deal

January 20, 2015 - Mayor Brown says contract continues his commitment to prudent fiscal management which has resulted in an improved fiscal outlook for the City of Buffalo: new contract reduces city’s long-term benefit costs

At a ceremonial signing at Buffalo City Hall, Mayor Byron Brown today praised the overwhelming ratification of a new contract between the City of Buffalo and the members of AFSCME Local 650, the city’s white-collar employee union which represents about 430 white-collar employees who work in virtually all city departments. The rank and file approved the contract on January 7, 2015.

“It's good for the taxpayers, good for workers and good for the City of Buffalo, said Mayor Brown.  "This new contract keeps Buffalo competitive with other cities by giving members of AFSCME Local 650 much-deserved raises, while also putting in place important long-term savings from employees as a result of health care ‘restructuring’. Our employees continue to do more with less and we need to keep and attract the ‘best and the brightest’ in order to continue to provide the quality services we do for the citizens of Buffalo.”

Michael Drennen, President of AFSCME Local 650, stated, “The tentative agreement between the City of Buffalo and AFSCME Local 650 is a positive step forward for the members and our city.  It creates cost certainty for the city, while providing the hard working members of AFSCME Local 650 with much deserved salary increases after no increases since July, 1, 2010.” 

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Mayor Brown Hosts Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Ceremony

January 16, 2015 - Mayor Byron W. Brown and the Division of Citizen Services host the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration, Pledge to Service and Recognition Ceremony, is an annual event where Mayor Byron Brown and the Division of Citizen Services recognize organizations and individuals for their contributions to the City of Buffalo through their community service activities.

“At the heart of Dr. King’s legacy is a commitment to service,” said Mayor Brown. “Today, we honor and acknowledge those who continue walking in the footsteps of Dr. King, making a difference in the lives of others through service.”

This year’s honorees are:
Jennifer J. Parker – President and Founder, Jackson Parker LLC, Black Capital Network
Willie Hutch Jones – C.E.O., Willie Hutch Jones Educational & Sports Programs
Robert Mootry, Jr. – President, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Regional Director CSEA
Hon. Hugh B. Scott – Magistrate Judge of United States District Court for the Western District of New York
Dinorah Santos– Evening Coordinator, The Belle Center & Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY
Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals, W.A.V.E. Buffalo (Women Against Violence Everywhere)

The event not only recognizes those who have made contributions through service, but also presents a call-to-action to Buffalo residents encouraging them to become more involved and engaged in their communities through service. Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy is necessary now more than ever, as communities nationwide engage in constructive dialogue and problem solving.

We’re proud to announce that we've partnered with Meetup and a coalition of other partners, including America’s Promise, Points of Light, and Citizen University, to launch a new initiative called #MeetupMonday that will enable community members to meetup in person to talk about the unique challenges and opportunities facing our nation. Beginning today, the free version of Meetup’s paid platform will enable diverse groups of citizens across the nation to organize #MeetupMonday events in their communities on MLK Day to come together for conversation, action, and healing.

To learn more about #MeetupMonday or to schedule an MLK Day event in your community, please visit Meetup.com/Monday.

Mayor Brown Announces SBA Opens Disaster Loan Outreach Center In Buffalo

January 9, 2015 - At the request of Mayor Byron Brown, the U.S. Small Business Administration is opening a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in Buffalo on Tuesday, January 13, 2015.  The location of the DLOC will make it convenient for those affected by the severe winter storm that occurred Nov. 19 – 26, 2014 to apply for disaster loan assistance. 

"Word today that Buffalo is now eligible for SBA low interest loans is welcoming news after an historic storm dumped over 6 feet of snow on parts of South Buffalo in November, causing all sorts of damage for city residents and business owners,” said Mayor Brown.  “This is encouraging news for those who continue to put the pieces together after the storm and the reason I encourage all those affected to apply as soon as possible.  Our goal was to find funding options that would offer quick assistance to those who need it and I am proud that we have achieved that."

The Center location and hours are: 
Connors Kait Harrity Memorial Pool
Cazenovia Park
626 Abbott Road
Buffalo, NY 14220

Hours: 9 am – 6 pm
• Tuesday, January 13, 2015
• Wednesday, January 14, 2015
• Thursday, January 15, 2015

Loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate.  Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.  SBA Customer Service Representatives will be at the DLOCs to issue loan applications, answer questions and help individuals complete their applications.

Businesses and non-profits organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damage or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. 

Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, to make improvements that help prevent the risk of future property damage caused by a similar disaster.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture businesses and most private nonprofit organizations of all sizes, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL’s) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.  EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage. 

Interest rates are as low as 1.938 percent for homeowners and renters, 2.625 percent for nonprofit organizations and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years.  Loan amount and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. 

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Individuals and businesses may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications can also be downloaded at www.sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be returned to the center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is February 13, 2015.  The deadline to return economic injury applications is September 15, 2015.

Mayor Brown Announces That "Suits For Troops" Exceeds Donation Goal

January 12, 2015 - City employees donated dozens of used suits and other professional wear to the Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY during the holiday season

Today Mayor Byron Brown and Buffalo attorney Keri Callocchia, founder of ‘Suits for Troops’, thanked city employees who donated used suits and other professional wear to the Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY during the holiday season as part of the 2014 ‘Suits for Troops’ program.  For the past month, Room 217 at Buffalo City Hall was transformed into a closet, complete with clothing racks and shelves, for the clothing donation drive for local veterans.

“The City of Buffalo is fortunate to have great employees who like to give back to those in need in our community,” said Mayor Brown.  “I’m proud of the city’s role in the success of the 2014 ‘Suits for Troops’ program that not only benefits our veterans by helping them put their best foot forward on a job interview but also supports the mission of the Veterans One-Stop Center, which provides much-needed services to former military personnel in transition.”

The City of Buffalo teamed up with the Bar Association of Erie County and the Erie County Clerk’s Office on the “Suits for Troops” program.  Together, the effort exceeded the goal of collecting at least 100 suits, with well over 350 suits collected during the holiday donation drive.  City of Buffalo employees donated a number of clothing items including 27 suits, 18 blazers/sports coats, 125 ties and 50 dress shirts.

“Mayor Brown’s involvement in this year’s ‘Suits for Troops’ drive has had a tremendously positive impact on our veterans,” said Callocchia.  “His participation was an outward sign of the deep appreciation our city has for our returning veterans.”

The Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY is located at 1280 Main Street in Buffalo.  For more information, call (716) 898-0110.