Model Laws and Reforms for Better Government
These are local legislative, charter and governance reforms that Change Buffalo PAC proposes. They are model proposals for public debate. None has been introduced or adopted, and the PAC is advocating for them to be taken up by the appropriate bodies.
City of Buffalo
Housing Choice Amendments to the Green Code
The problem: Too many common housing types still require special approvals.
What we propose: Amendments to the Green Code allowing two- to four-unit homes and accessory dwelling units by right in residential districts, more homes by right along transit and commercial corridors, and a library of pre-approved building plans.
Why it matters to the turnaround: Housing growth is the foundation of population and tax-base growth.
Get involved: Join the Urban Design and Housing working group.
Permit Timeliness and Transparency Ordinance
The problem: Applicants often cannot predict how long approvals will take.
What we propose: A local law setting maximum review times for each permit type, requiring online status tracking, and mandating a quarterly public report on permit volumes and timelines.
Why it matters to the turnaround: Speed and certainty lower the cost of every project in the city.
Get involved: Share your experience with city permitting.
Open Data Ordinance
The problem: Public information is scattered and often hard to access.
What we propose: A law requiring city departments to publish budgets, contracts, payroll, permits, inspections and service-request data in open, machine-readable formats on a regular schedule.
Why it matters to the turnaround: Residents, journalists and businesses can see what is working and hold government accountable.
Get involved: Join the Open the Books campaign.
Participatory Budgeting Ordinance
The problem: Residents have little direct say over how capital dollars are spent in their neighborhoods.
What we propose: Dedicate a portion of the city’s annual capital budget to projects proposed and chosen by residents in each Common Council district, starting with a pilot.
Why it matters to the turnaround: People invest more in neighborhoods they help shape.
Get involved: Volunteer with our Neighborhood Listening Project.
Neighborhood Councils Charter Amendment
The problem: There is no consistent, formal structure for neighborhoods to weigh in on decisions that affect them.
What we propose: A charter amendment establishing elected neighborhood councils with open meetings and a defined advisory role on zoning, capital projects and service priorities.
Why it matters to the turnaround: A recognized neighborhood voice makes planning more democratic and projects more durable.
Get involved: Become a Neighborhood Captain.
Fiscal Responsibility Charter Amendment
The problem: One-time money and short-term fixes can hide long-term budget gaps.
What we propose: A charter requirement for a rolling four-year financial plan, a minimum reserve policy with clear rules for use and replenishment, and limits on using one-time revenue for recurring costs.
Why it matters to the turnaround: Fiscal stability makes lower taxes and steady investment possible.
Get involved: Join the Reimagined Tax Systems working group.
Erie and Niagara Counties
IDA Accountability Local Law
The problem: Economic development incentives are not always tied to clear, public, enforceable results.
What we propose: A local law requiring every incentive deal to be published online with its commitments and outcomes, mandatory clawbacks when commitments are missed, and a ban on incentives for relocating jobs within the county. Paired with a push to consolidate town IDAs into one countywide agency.
Why it matters to the turnaround: Public money should create net new growth.
Get involved: Join the Global Economic Prowess working group.
Shared Services Compact
The problem: Erie County’s 44 cities, towns and villages each maintain overlapping services.
What we propose: A standing county compact offering municipalities assessment, purchasing, IT, payroll and fleet services at cost, with public reporting on savings.
Why it matters to the turnaround: Savings from cooperation can be returned to taxpayers.
Get involved: Join the Streamlined Governance working group.
Property Tax Levy Limit Law
The problem: Property tax levies can rise year after year without a strong public check.
What we propose: A county local law limiting annual levy growth, with exceptions only by supermajority vote and a published explanation.
Why it matters to the turnaround: Predictable taxes help families and businesses plan and stay.
Get involved: Support the Reform Before Renewal campaign.
Countywide Assessment Reform
The problem: Assessment practices vary among municipalities, so similar properties can be treated differently.
What we propose: Move toward a single professional, uniform countywide assessment system, phased in with municipal agreement.
Why it matters to the turnaround: Fair, accurate assessments are the basis of a fair property tax.
Get involved: Contact us to help develop this proposal.
Regional and State Reforms
Even-Year City Elections Amendment
The problem: City elections in New York, including Buffalo’s, cannot be moved to higher-turnout even-numbered years without a state constitutional amendment.
What we propose: A state constitutional amendment allowing city elections to align with even-year statewide elections.
Why it matters to the turnaround: Higher turnout means leaders accountable to more of the community.
Get involved: Support the Vote When It Counts campaign.
Ranked-Choice Voting Local Option
The problem: In crowded local races, winners can be elected with a small share of the vote.
What we propose: State enabling legislation that gives localities like Buffalo the option to adopt ranked-choice voting after a public review, building on New York City’s experience since adopting it in 2019.
Why it matters to the turnaround: More choice and broader mandates make for stronger, more accountable leadership.
Get involved: Join the Streamlined Governance working group.
Fair Ballot Access Reform
The problem: Petitioning and ballot-access rules can make it hard for new candidates to compete in local races.
What we propose: Reasonable, proportionate signature requirements and simpler filing rules for local offices.
Why it matters to the turnaround: Competitive elections give voters real choices.
Get involved: Contact us to join the effort.
Independent Local Redistricting
The problem: District lines drawn by incumbents can protect officeholders over voters.
What we propose: Independent, nonpartisan commissions to draw Common Council and county legislative districts, with public maps and hearings.
Why it matters to the turnaround: Fair maps strengthen accountability.
Get involved: Join the Streamlined Governance working group.
Regional Corridor and Waterfront Compact
The problem: Major regional projects like highway corridors and the waterfront involve many agencies and too often stall without decisions.
What we propose: A compact among the state, counties, the city and relevant authorities with a shared master plan, firm decision deadlines, and public participation from the start.
Why it matters to the turnaround: The region’s biggest opportunities depend on getting big projects built.
Get involved: Support the Finish the Waterfront campaign.
Return to all initiatives or the Turnaround Agenda.
