Buffalo Common Council Amends, Approves 2026 Capital Budget
Buffalo, N.Y. - In a 7-1 vote, the Buffalo Common Council on Tuesday approved the amended 2026 Capital Budget to provide for $94 million in new investments in city infrastructure, including Buffalo Public Schools facilities, roads, parks, community centers, libraries, and facilities and equipment for the Police Department, Fire Department, and Department of Public Works.
The Capital Budget includes $55.6 million in financing for BPS projects that is almost entirely reimbursable from New York State, as well as millions more in bond anticipation notes for city projects that are reimbursable through state and federal funds. The City’s portion of the Capital Budget includes about $38.9 million in investments in City projects, including:
$8.3 million for city facilities, including community centers, parks buildings, and recreational facilities
$6 million for the city parks
$7.3 million for infrastructure and engineering
$3.5 million for DPW streets equipment
$5.2 million for Buffalo Fire Department equipment and facilities
$4.3 million for Buffalo Police Department vehicles, equipment, and facility improvements
$3.8 million for libraries and cultural and educational institutions
The Common Council made a number of amendments to Acting Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon’s proposed Capital Budget, including adding $120,000 for renovations to Cathedral Park, adding $150,000 for design and planning for improvements to Grant Street, and adding $1 million for the Asarese-Matters Community Center, as well as making reductions in other budget lines to ensure the amendments were budget neutral.
“This year’s Capital Budget focuses on much-needed investments in our City’s infrastructure,” said Common Council President Pro Tempore Bryan Bollman. “We are investing in our streets, our buildings, essential equipment like plows and vehicles, and most importantly, investing in our Buffalo Public Schools. As a parent of children enrolled in BPS, it’s critically important to me that our children have safe, modern spaces in which to learn and grow. I thank the Mayor and my colleagues for ensuring that this budget reflects the priorities of the Councilmembers and their constituents.”
“A budget is a statement of priorities, and with the amended 2026 Capital Budget, we are demonstrating our focus on investing in our community,” said Majority Leader Leah Halton-Pope. “This plan provides millions for our emergency services, community centers, schools, parks, and public buildings, helping to provide the facilities and infrastructure that our residents deserve. I’m especially pleased to have delivered millions for Ellicott District priorities like the Apollo Media Center, JFK Park, and the Dorothy Collier and Pratt Willert community centers, and I look forward to seeing these projects implemented to the benefit of our residents.”
“It is critical that we invest in our city and do the projects that our residents want done,” said Finance Chair Mitch Nowakowski. “With the 2026 Capital Budget, we are providing millions toward essential services, quality infrastructure, and improving iconic cultural sites in the Fillmore District like Shea’s and Cathedral Park. I’m glad to amend and pass this budget so that we can get to work on building a stronger community.”