BUFFALO MAYOR CHRISTOPHER P. SCANLON DELIVERS 2025 STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

You can watch the State of the City Address from Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BWuCCDvjE/ 

 Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon

Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon delivered his first State of the City Address in the historic Buffalo City Hall Council Chambers, outlining his administration’s vision and key policy priorities to strengthen Buffalo’s economic future, public safety, and quality of life for all residents.

Mayor Scanlon emphasized the necessity of bold financial strategies to address the city’s structural deficit while ensuring that Buffalo remains a hub for business growth, innovation, and community well-being. 

Among the highlights of his address were the introduction of a three percent hotel bed tax, the creation of the Buffalo Parking and Mobility Authority, and the establishment of three new offices focused on emergency preparedness, city innovation, and gun violence prevention.

“The state of our city is what we make of it, and only by working together will we make Buffalo stronger,” Mayor Scanlon said. “My administration is committed to making the difficult but necessary decisions that will position Buffalo for long-term prosperity.”

Mayor Scanlon called upon NYS legislators to authorize a three percent hotel bed tax to ensure that visitors contribute to maintaining and enhancing Buffalo’s renowned cultural institutions, such as Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Kleinhans Music Hall, and the Buffalo Zoo.

“Our cultural institutions bring in thousands of visitors every year. It’s time we ask those visitors to contribute to the historic institutions that make our city great,” Mayor Scanlon said. “This tax will provide critical funding for our arts and cultural sector without burdening Buffalo residents.”

Additionally, the mayor outlined his vision for the creation of the Buffalo Parking and Mobility Authority, a strategic move aimed at streamlining parking operations, eliminating redundancy, and saving taxpayers millions in capital repair costs.

“The Parking and Mobility Authority will ensure more efficient management of our parking infrastructure while maintaining fiscal responsibility,” Scanlon explained. “Successful models exist across the country—it’s time for Buffalo to follow suit.”

New Offices to Enhance City Services

To address challenges facing Buffalo, Mayor Scanlon announced the launch of three new offices, each designed to improve public safety, government efficiency, and climate resiliency:

• The Office of Emergency Management and Resiliency: Focused on equipping Buffalo with the tools necessary to combat extreme weather conditions, this office will lead the city's first-ever Climate Action Plan to ensure sustainable and cost-effective government operations.

• The Office of Innovation: This new department is committed to streamlining city services, eliminating outdated red tape, and improving government responsiveness to residents' needs.

• The Office of Gun Violence Prevention: This office will implement strategies to reduce gun-related incidents, address root causes of violence, and improve community relations. Mayor Scanlon commended Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart for her leadership in pushing for its creation.

Recognizing the pivotal role small businesses play in Buffalo’s economic landscape, Mayor Scanlon announced the formation of a Small Business Cabinet to directly engage with entrepreneurs and business owners, ensuring city policies reflect their needs.

“Our small businesses are the backbone of our local economy,” Mayor Scanlon said. “This cabinet will give them a voice in government, ensuring their concerns are addressed, and their opportunities expanded.”

In closing, Mayor Scanlon reaffirmed his commitment to economic stability, safer neighborhoods, and a city government that works for everyone.