“Engaging in local and state policy arenas gives us the opportunity to directly influence the decisions that affect our communities most,” said Sarah Wooton, PPG Policy Analyst. “Our Community Agenda process encourages collaboration between community groups across the region. They voice their top policy priorities for the next twelve months, and we move to advance those priorities as a collective—with the voices of those directly impacted at the forefront.” 

The Community Agenda was announced to the community at an event opened by local spoken word artist Noah Barr. Speakers included Jalonda Hill and Matt Parham of the WNY Law Center, Sophia Lawrence of the WNY Youth Climate Council, Tanvier Peart of the WNY Peace Center, Margaret Wooster of the Our Outer Harbor coalition, and more.

PPG and its partners will be visiting with elected leaders in the coming months to review the Agenda with them and ask for their support. The ten planks are titled:

1.     Reduce the Disparate Impact of Traffic Fines and Fees

2.     Implement a Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion Program

3.     Declare a Climate Emergency in Buffalo and Erie County

4.     A State Park on the Outer Harbor

5.     Equitable Financing for Water Bills for Low Income Individuals

6.     Just Cause Eviction

7.     Improve Language Access and Inclusion in Western New York

8.     Dedicate New Sources of Funding to Expand and Improve Public Transportation

9.     Good Food Purchasing for Buffalo Schools

10.  Equitable and Increased Representation of Frontline Communities in City of Buffalo Public Art

The full text of each plank is available at PPG’s web site, www.ppgbuffalo.org.

New York State Assemblymember Sean Ryan said: “The Partnership for the Public Good continues to lead the way in setting a bold progressive agenda for our community. From protecting our climate, to investing in public transportation, standing up for vulnerable members of our community, and protecting our Outer Harbor, PPG's list of priorities for the coming year addresses many of the pressing issues facing Buffalo and Western New York. I look forward to working with PPG in the coming year to advance this important agenda which seeks to ensure equitable treatment and access for all Western New Yorkers.”

Erie County Legislature Chair April Baskin said: “I am always proud to support and work with the Partnership for the Public Good on their mission to create a more just, sustainable Erie County. Inclusion of minority artists in both public spaces and Erie County cultural funding, improving public transportation for transit-dependent riders in conjunction with the NFTA, and preventing lead poisoning in our young people are all initiatives the Legislature has focused on this year. With the help of the Partnership for the Public Good, I am confident we can do even more in 2020 to bring equity and representation to all of our diverse communities.”

Common Council Member David Rivera said: “Every January I look forward to the rollout of PPG’s community agenda. The process for creating the agenda is just as important as the ideas on the agenda. It is a reminder that our participation in democracy does not have to end at the voting booth as we can continue to impact our state and local governments throughout the year by pushing for important legislation and policies. Thank you to all the community partners and participants for prioritizing their ideas. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue to improve Buffalo as a welcoming, affordable, and safe place for all.”

Common Council Member Mitch Nowakowski said: “I’m thrilled that it is time again for PPG’s annual Community Agenda roll out. It is imperative that we look at the larger scope of issues that face our City and our region in 2020 and beyond. A critical eye enhances our ability to tackle these issues in a collaborative way that benefits and strengthens our community.” 

Contact Andrea Ó Súilleabháin 716-246-1706 or andrea@ppgbuffalo.org for any inquiries.