Turning the Agenda into Programs
These signature policy initiatives translate the Turnaround Agenda into concrete programs. Each is a Change Buffalo PAC proposal.
Build Buffalo Homes
The problem: Buffalo needs more homes in more neighborhoods, but too much ordinary housing, from the classic Buffalo double to backyard cottages, still requires special approvals or is hard to build.
What we propose: Allow two- to four-unit homes and accessory dwelling units by right in residential districts, allow more homes along transit and commercial corridors, and publish free pre-approved building plans for common city lots. Build on the Green Code, which in 2017 made Buffalo the first major U.S. city to end minimum parking requirements citywide.
Why it matters to the turnaround: More homes mean more residents, more customers for local businesses, a broader tax base and housing that stays within reach as the city grows.
Get involved: Join the Urban Design and Housing working group through our Get Involved page.
The Permit Clock
The problem: Uncertain permit timelines add cost and risk to every project, from a new storefront to a home renovation.
What we propose: Firm, published review deadlines for each permit type; online permitting with real-time tracking; expanded by-right approvals; and a quarterly public scorecard of review times.
Why it matters to the turnaround: Predictable permitting attracts investment and lets small builders and businesses compete with big ones.
Get involved: Builders, architects and business owners: share your permitting experience to help shape the proposal.
Lots to Neighbors
The problem: Thousands of vacant lots and abandoned properties weigh on neighborhoods. Using 2010 Census data, Erie County counted more than 20,000 vacant properties in Buffalo alone.
What we propose: A fast, transparent pipeline that moves city- and land-bank-owned parcels to neighbors, owner-occupants and small local builders first, with a public map of every available parcel and a simple side-lot program.
Why it matters to the turnaround: Every lot returned to productive use adds homes, gardens, residents and tax revenue.
Get involved: Tell us about vacant properties on your block and join our neighborhood organizing efforts.
One Region, One IDA
The problem: Erie County’s economic development is split between a countywide IDA and several town IDAs, which can compete for the same projects.
What we propose: Move toward a single professional countywide IDA, with no incentives for relocating jobs across town lines, clawbacks when commitments are missed, and every deal published online.
Why it matters to the turnaround: The region wins when it competes with other regions, not with itself.
Get involved: Join the Global Economic Prowess working group on our Get Involved page.
The Taxpayer Dividend
The problem: Western New Yorkers carry a heavy combined tax load, and savings from efficiency rarely make their way back to taxpayers.
What we propose: Commit a defined share of consolidation savings and new tax-base growth to lowering property tax levies, enforce multi-year financial plans, and report the results publicly.
Why it matters to the turnaround: Lower, predictable taxes help families stay, help businesses grow, and make the region more competitive.
Get involved: Join the Reimagined Tax Systems working group.
Main Street Starts
The problem: Opening a small business means navigating multiple licenses, permits and inspections, often with little guidance.
What we propose: A small-business concierge at City Hall, a review to cut and consolidate licenses, legal corner stores and home businesses in more neighborhoods, pop-up permits for vacant storefronts, and on-time payment for small city vendors.
Why it matters to the turnaround: Small businesses create neighborhood jobs and bring commercial corridors back to life.
Get involved: Entrepreneurs: tell us what got in your way.
Connect the Region
The problem: Buffalo’s 6.4-mile Metro Rail line ends at University Heights, and many residents without cars cannot easily reach suburban job centers.
What we propose: Advance the long-proposed Metro Rail extension toward Amherst with a firm timeline and transparent costs, create frequent bus corridors, and zone for homes near transit.
Why it matters to the turnaround: Linking people to jobs expands opportunity and makes the whole regional economy stronger.
Get involved: Share your commute story with us and join the Streamlined Governance working group.
Waterfront for All
The problem: Buffalo’s shoreline is managed by multiple agencies, and large stretches remain hard to reach or underused.
What we propose: One waterfront master plan from the Outer Harbor to the Niagara River, public access first, and open, competitive release of underused public land. See our plans for the Outer Harbor, Inner Harbor and Black Rock.
Why it matters to the turnaround: The waterfront is the region’s front door, and a continuous public shoreline is a magnet for residents, visitors and investment.
Get involved: Join the Environment and Recreation working group.
Return to all initiatives or the Turnaround Agenda.
