Mayor Scanlon Takes Immediate Action to Address Federal Funding Pause

Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon

In response to President Trump's Executive Office of Management and Budget memorandum, M-25-13, requiring a pause on all federal grant awards, obligations, and disbursements starting at 5:00 p.m. EST on January 28, 2025, Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon has taken swift action to mitigate the potential impact on Buffalo’s federal funding allocation.

The presidential memorandum could have significant negative effects on the city’s finances and agencies that administer federal funds, potentially impacting public health and safety, affordable housing, infrastructure, education, community services, and small businesses.

To protect the city’s essential financial resources, Mayor Scanlon submitted a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to the Buffalo Common Council between the City of Buffalo and the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA). This agreement streamlines the disbursement of federally funded programs that directly benefit Buffalo residents.

The MOA aims to advance federal grant funds, ensuring the continuation of critical programs despite the challenges posed by the memorandum. The agreement was presented to the Buffalo Common Council during a special session held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 3:30 p.m., where it received Council approval.

“My administration has worked tirelessly over the past 24 hours to ensure that we are in constant communication with our government partners at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as the agencies impacted by President Trump’s Executive Office of Management and Budget memorandum, M-25-13,” said Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon. “Earlier today, I submitted a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to the Buffalo Common Council in partnership with the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA) to ensure that vital programs and services across the City of Buffalo remain operational during ongoing legal challenges. Additionally, I have directed department heads to prepare for any budget impacts resulting from these proposed funding changes. I urge the federal government to ‘act as faithful stewards of taxpayer dollars’ and avoid actions that could cause irreparable harm to our cities, counties, and states.”

In addition to submitting the MOA, Mayor Scanlon has taken the following actions:

Engaged in direct communication with city agencies and authorities, including the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA), Buffalo Public Schools, Buffalo Sewer Authority, and Buffalo Water. Directed departments to analyze and prepare for potential budget impacts resulting from the proposed funding changes. Communicated with the New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM), where he was recently appointed to the Executive Committee. Corresponded with the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Scheduled a joint meeting with the mayors of New York City, Rochester, Syracuse, and Yonkers. Engaged with partners in local, state, and federal government. These actions underscore Mayor Scanlon’s commitment to protecting Buffalo’s financial stability, ensuring the continuity of critical city services, and making sure federal resources are effectively utilized for the benefit of the city's residents, businesses, and neighborhoods.

For more information on Mayor Scanlon’s actions, visit the City of Buffalo’s official website at www.buffalony.gov.