Government Take Action

Making state and local government more democratic, efficient, and accountable will require campaign finance reform, the curtailing of independent authorities, and increased regional cooperation. It will also require close attention to issues of patronage, contracting procedures, ethics, public input, transparency, and the enforcement of existing laws and regulations.

Major reform is required to (i) reduce the tax burden on people with low incomes; (ii) increase taxes on products and activities that cause pollution in order to reflect their true social and governmental costs; (iii) reduce wasteful corporate tax subsidies; and (iv) provide greater, more equitable, and more predictable support to high-poverty cities and counties.

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November 29, 2024

Buffalo Common Council Summary: Week of November 25, 2024

by PPG Staff Each week, PPG summarizes important takeaways from the major Buffalo Common Council meetings. We also include information from council meetings related to our Community Agenda items. If you want to learn more about how the council meetings work and how you can get involved, check …

November 22, 2024

Buffalo Common Council Summary: Week of November 18, 2024

by PPG Staff Each week, PPG summarizes important takeaways from the major Buffalo Common Council meetings. We also include information from council meetings related to our Community Agenda items. If you want to learn more about how the council meetings work and how you can get involved, check …

November 15, 2024

Buffalo Common Council Summary: Week of November 11, 2024

by PPG Staff Each week, PPG summarizes important takeaways from Buffalo Common Council meetings. We also include information from council meetings related to our Community Agenda items. If you want to learn more about how the council meetings work and how you can get involved, check out our …

November 8, 2024

Buffalo Common Council Summary: Week of November 4, 2024

by PPG Staff Each week, PPG summarizes important takeaways from the major Buffalo Common Council meetings. We also include information from council meetings related to our Community Agenda items. If you want to learn more about how the council meetings work and how you can get involved, check …

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FOIL for the FactsDecember 17, 2024, 12:30-2 pm

UB School of Law Civil Rights and Transparency Clinic

How do you submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to get public records, data, and information from government? How can organizers and advocates use FOIL to strengthen their campaigns?

FOIL for the FactsDecember 17, 2024, 12:30-2 pm

UB School of Law Civil Rights and Transparency Clinic

How do you submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to get public records, data, and information from government? How can organizers and advocates use FOIL to strengthen their campaigns?

8 Ideas for a Better Buffalo-NiagaraNovember 22, 2024, 10:30 am-12 pm

Sam Magavern and UB Law Students

Each year Sam Magavern, Senior Policy Fellow at PPG, teaches a Lawyers as Change Agents class at the University at Buffalo Law School. They will be presenting their work on a wide array of policy initiatives to help make Buffalo-Niagara more equitable and sustainable.  They …

Erie County's 2025 Charter RevisionNovember 12, 2024, 12:30-2 pm

Andrea Ó Súilleabháin, Anna Falicov

The Erie County Charter is the governing law of the county and sets the powers and duties of its officers and departments. Every 10 years, an appointed Commission reviews the Charter and recommends changes. Why does this matter and how can residents add their voices?

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The Child Care Crisis: History and Examples from Across the United States
The Rich Don't Pay But You Do: The City's Free Rides for the Rich, An Analysis of City of Buffalo Property Tax Revenue
Buffalo Common Council Procedures and How You Can Get Involved
Ranked Choice Voting in Western New York? Successes & Lessons from New York City
Unburying Buffalo: Making the Case for Sidewalk Snow Removal