Addressing the long-term needs of East Buffalo
Governor Kathy Hochul recognizes that East Buffalo has suffered from significant disinvestment and neglect for decades. On May 14, 2022, tragedy struck the City of Buffalo when a white supremacist committed an act of terror at a local supermarket, killing 10, injuring three others and traumatizing the community. Following the tragedy, Governor Hochul took action to further strengthen East Buffalo — taking on systemic challenges together with city, county, community members and other partners.
In June 2022, Governor Hochul announced a new, $50 million of targeted investments as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to address the immediate needs of the East Buffalo community in wake of the white supremacist terror attack. This is in addition to the millions of dollars committed to East Buffalo prior to the shooting.
A number of initiatives are underway in East Buffalo thanks to these investments. Visit the pages below to learn more.
East Buffalo Investments By Agency
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Economic Development and Small Business Funding
Through collective capital grant and consultant awards, Empire State Development is committed to the successful completion of diverse commercial and mixed-use capital projects throughout East Buffalo with the goal of supporting the residents, business owners, cultural institutions and patrons of East Buffalo and enhancing the community as a thriving place to live, work, learn and play.
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Housing Programs
Historic redlining and modern predatory lending practices have significantly destabilized housing in East Buffalo and stymied the ability for individuals, families, and the community to build wealth. As a down payment on a longer-term investment in housing, the State is taking immediate steps to assist struggling homeowners in East Buffalo. To apply, residents must currently reside in one of the following ZIP codes: 14204 - 14206 - 14208 - 14209 - 14210 - 14211 - 14212 - 14214 - 14215. These are the communities in Buffalo with the highest housing distress indicators and the highest concentrations of homeowners who have historically been subjected to housing discrimination.
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The New York State DOT facilitates and contributes to the economic well-being and redevelopment of East Buffalo via the consideration and funding of transportation improvements throughout the transportation system.
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Victim Assistance
The Office of Victim Services (OVS) provides a critical safety net for individuals who have expenses or losses resulting from a crime but have no resources to pay or offset them. The agency also funds a network of more than 200 victim assistance programs - including a dozen in Buffalo - that provide direct services to victims and survivors of crime.
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Benefits Access and Case Management Services
The Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC) was awarded $500,000 to provide direct, one-on-one intensive benefits access and case management services.
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Environmental Justice and Protecting Natural Resources
The Department of Environmental Conservation strives to build trust and strong communication with residents and stakeholders of East Buffalo by identifying and supporting mutual goals that promote environmental justice and inclusion for all while simultaneously pursing DEC's mission of conserving, improving, and protecting New York's natural resources and for the betterment of neighborhoods, the community, and our shared environment.
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The New York State Office of Mental Health’s (OMH) vision for East Buffalo is to promote the mental health of all community residents by providing hope and recovery through culturally relevant, community-based mental health resources and programs. OMH has a steadfast commitment to help the community heal from the tragic Tops Market shooting. OMH continues to listen and partner with the East Buffalo community to identify and offer supports that will lead to long-term recovery and resiliency.
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Community Planning and Development and Poverty Reduction
The Department of State (DOS) is dedicated to revitalizing East Buffalo through the administration of grants for planning, development, and community infrastructure projects as well as grants to combat poverty. Through programs like the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, Brownfield Opportunity Area Program, and Community Services Block Grant Program, the Department of State is helping to transform East Buffalo into a vibrant community that offers a high quality of life and supports redevelopment, business, job creation, and economic and housing diversity.