Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon's Historic 2025 Capital Budget Approved

Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon

Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon's $110 Million 2025 capital budget today was approved by the Common Council, making it the largest investment in infrastructure, public safety, public schools and community assets in the city’s history.

Since submitting his proposed capital budget on November 1, Mayor Scanlon strongly advocated support among councilmembers underscoring the impacts the historic investment would have on city neighborhoods and the quality of life of residents by upgrading the city’s aging infrastructure and public safety, educational, and cultural facilities.

"This historic capital budget reflects the shared commitment of my administration and the Common Council in addressing some of the city’s immediate challenges and investing in innovative solutions for growth and Buffalo’s future," said Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon. "With unprecedented collaboration among our county, state, and federal partners, we are investing in Buffalo's future to build a city that is safe, healthy and strong.”

The approved capital budget leverages significant funding sources, including the American Rescue Plan and other federal funds, and New York State highway funds, and is projected to generate over one billion dollars in indirect economic impacts citywide.

This Capital Budget contains three sections; the Annual Capital Budget, the Buffalo Public School District Capital Plan, and the Public Works Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) Requests.

Annual Capital Budget:

The $27.2 Annual Capital Budget enables the city to continue its investment in the City’s infrastructure, public safety, healthy neighborhoods, cultural institutions, and parks. This plan is based on the recommendations of the Citizens Planning Council following robust hearings and discussions with the Buffalo Common Council, the heads of City Departments, and the heads of various cultural and education organizations operating city-owned buildings.

Buffalo Public Schools Capital Plan:

The $55.45 million investment is dedicated to infrastructure across multiple school campuses, including lighting, lead abatement, masonry, and structural improvements. These improvements are up to 97% reimbursable by the New York State Department of Education and any additional costs will be covered by the Buffalo Public Schools.

Public Works Bond Anticipation Notes (BANs):

This $27 million BAN proposal will utilize short-term bonds to leverage over $200 million in federal and state funding, allowing for the completion of large-scale infrastructure projects. These BANs are 100% reimbursable by Federal and State Grants already secured by the City of Buffalo and will only cost the City of Buffalo around $900,000 in issuance costs and interest.

Mayor Scanlon said, “The minimal cost of these bold investments will leverage hundreds of millions of dollars in needed infrastructure improvements which will spur over a billion dollars in direct and indirect economic impacts throughout the city.”

The Mayor’s Office will continue to collaborate with the Buffalo Common Council, the Buffalo Public Schools, and the Comptroller’s Office to ensure a smooth implementation of the sale of these bonds on behalf of the residents of Buffalo.