Buffalo · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Buffalo public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Tenant Protections and Landlord Utility Shutoffs
T. Peeples Brown raised concerns about a recent water shut-off action; the matter was referred to Community Development.
Compost Collection
Buffalo is ramping up its curbside composting program to give residents weekly pickups and slash the amount of trash sent to landfills. It's a quick and easy way for the city to shrink its carbon footprint and boost recycling efforts.
Composting Program Expansion
Buffalo is expanding its curbside composting program to hit 10,000 households and keep food scraps out of the landfill. Check your neighborhood to see if you can start turning your kitchen waste into useful compost.
Animal Shelter Capacity
Buffalo's animal shelter is totally overflowing with homeless pets right now, but the mayor is hinting that a brand-new facility might finally be on the way. If you've been thinking about adopting or care about how your tax dollars are spent on local infrastructure, now's the time to tune in.
Animal Shelter Overcapacity
Buffalo's city-owned animal shelter is totally packed, forcing them to freeze cat intake while desperately looking for adopters and volunteers. If you've been thinking about getting a pet, now is the absolute best time to step up and help out.
Municipal Appointments and System Evaluation
The committee reviewed and acted on multiple departmental appointments across MIS, Public Works, Law, and Permits and Inspections to fill key city roles.
Small Business Contracts
Erie County just made it way easier for local small businesses to score county contracts. If you're a local entrepreneur, this means less red tape and a better shot at landing government work.
Community Notification and Participation in Neighborhood Infrastructure Projects
Council members voiced strong opposition to the lack of resident notification and neighborhood input regarding newly striped bike lanes and active transportation projects.
Rezoning
The Town of Orchard Park is kicking an RV lot owner off their property right near the new Bills stadium to pave the way for brand-new development. Campers currently parked there have to clear out as town officials completely revamp the local zoning rules.
Land Swap
A Buffalo councilmember is pushing for a land swap with the Seneca Nation to finally put an end to the ongoing feud over the controversial new gas station in the Old First Ward. If it works, this deal could settle a major neighborhood headache once and for all.
Sovereignty Dispute
Seneca Nation members are pushing ahead with a planned gas station on Miami Street downtown, despite the Buffalo mayor's efforts to shut it down. This sparks a fresh turf war over city oversight versus tribal sovereignty.
Construction Dispute
Buffalo Mayor Ryan ordered the Seneca Nation to stop building a new gas station and truck stop in the Old First Ward, but they're completely ignoring him. This standoff is turning into a major turf war between the city and the Nation right in our backyard.
Cryptocurrency Mining and Data Processing Center Moratorium
The City Council established a two-year moratorium on new cryptocurrency mining and data processing centers while creating a nine-member task force to evaluate noise, water usage, and environmental impacts.
Streetlight Replacement
Buffalo is finally teaming up with National Grid to fix over 500 downed streetlights across the city. This means your neighborhood streets are about to get a whole lot brighter and safer.
Lead Poisoning Prevention
Bureaucratic roadblocks from the state are holding up Buffalo's efforts to fight lead poisoning, putting local kids at risk. If these safety updates get delayed, more families will face preventable health hazards in their homes.
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Got a garage full of old paint, weird chemicals, or dead tech? Buffalo is hosting a free drop-off day so you can finally get rid of your household hazardous waste safely and without a hassle.
Youth Curfews
Buffalo leaders are pushing to bring back youth curfews after a super rough, violent holiday weekend. They're hoping a time limit on the streets will help put a lid on the recent spike in neighborhood violence.
Public Event Cancellation
Buffalo is skipping its usual Fourth of July fireworks show this year, so you'll have to plan your holiday celebrations elsewhere. Mayor Ryan has explained the decision, but it's a bummer for anyone looking forward to the local festivities.
Stadium Construction
The brand-new, $2.1 billion Highmark Stadium is finally finished and ready for game day! Funded by a mix of state, county, and team money, this massive project is a huge deal for local football fans.