In the Finance Committee, Nadine Marrero from the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA), came to explain how the bureau is spending Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money in Buffalo. This is money from the federal department of Housing and Urban Development. Marrero explained that the federal government is moving aggressively to take back unspent CDBG funds. She proposed that BURA spend the funds on streets and sidewalks; creating housing; and helping FeedMore WNY, which is facing big budget cuts.
 
Commissioner Nosworthy from the Department of Administration and Finance and Delano Dowell from the Comptroller’s office spoke about the most recent Gap Report. Council Member Rivera spoke about the importance of replenishing the Reserve Fund, which rests at $3.6 million, but will most likely be spent this year. The last $14.9 million went to fill budget shortfalls for 2024-2025.
 
Majority Leader Halton-Pope asked about the progress on spending American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds. Many projects—including workforce development, youth programs, affordable housing, and water and sewer arrears programs—have not been started yet or have just begun. All ARP funding must be spent by December 2026. Halton-Pope was concerned that the funds aren’t being spent fast enough.
 
At a special Budget Meeting later that afternoon, council members asked Commissioner Nosworthy about the Acting Mayor’s proposed plan to sell the city’s parking garages to the newly created Buffalo Parking and Mobility Authority. The sale would not be a one-time revenue boost, Nosworthy said; it would provide annual payments, and the city wouldn’t have to maintain the ramps. As is, the parking ramps already provide revenue to the city every year— millions of dollars—even after paying for maintenance. Council Member Rivera questioned the wisdom of the city’s relationship with its authorities; as he pointed out, Buffalo actually has to pay to maintain the Sewer Authority, which still cannot control the release of raw sewage into area waterways.
 
The commissioner said that if the city’s plans for revenue—including selling the parking ramps and creating a hotel bed tax—fall through, they could take out a “short term deficiency note.” This is a loan that, Nosworthy explained, the city would pay back quickly. If they went this route, the administration would also look at cutting arts and cultural funding.
 
The Legislation Committee was host to a disagreement between a man who wants to open a cannabis dispensary on Elmwood Avenue and community members who do not want marijuana sales near schools. The store would be located a block away from Nardin Academy and Canisius High School. Marijuana is legal, supporters pointed out, and the would-be owner has a state license. Further, Elmwood has other “adult” products (like alcohol and tobacco) readily available. There will be a neighborhood meeting about it on May 29th and a continuation of the public hearing in the Legislation Committee on June 3rd.
 
In the Community Development Committee meeting, discussion continued about the city funding a police training facility and shooting range near the Central Terminal. Resident Jazz Milliner reminded council members of the disproportionate effects of the policing and criminal justice systems on communities of color. Wouldn’t this money—around $5 million—be better spent on community resources that would uplift the district’s constituents? “What keeps people safe and healthy is when their needs are met,” Milliner said. Clean water, reliable transportation, affordable housing, adequate food: these are what will make our people safe. The committee filed the comments without response.