Buffalo Common Council Approves Resolution to Establish Full Property Tax Exemption for Certain Veterans

Buffalo, N.Y. - The Buffalo Common Council voted unanimously on Tuesday, February 17, to approve a resolution that would provide a full property tax exemption to certain veterans who have a 100% permanent and total disability related to active military service.

The resolution directs the City’s Corporation Counsel to draft a local law opting into recently passed New York State legislation granting the tax exemption to dis abled veterans who meet all four of the following criteria:

• A 100% disability rating with a total and permanent designation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

• Have a Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) from the VA.

• Qualify for the VA’s specially adapted housing grant.

• Have either an honorable dis charge or a qualifying condition under New York State Veterans’ Services Law, with an other-than dishonorable or bad conduct discharge; qualifying conditions include:

  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

  • Traumatic Brain Injury

  • Military Sexual Trauma

  • Discharged LGBT Veteran

The resolution comes just months after Governor Kathy Hochul signed the legislation authorizing local governments to opt into the tax exemption for disabled veterans. Fillmore District Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski introduced the resolution, joined by co-sponsors Lovejoy District Councilmember Bryan Bollman and University District Councilmember Rasheed N.C. Wyatt, as a way to give back to service members who have suffered and sacrificed to defend our nation.

“As the son of a United States military veteran, I know firsthand that our veterans made extraordinary sacrifices in service to our country,” said Councilmember Bollman. “This local law ensures that Buffalo honors our most severely disabled veterans by providing real financial relief that recognizes both their service and the profound challenges they continue to face. For veterans who can no longer work and require specially adapted hous ing, property tax relief can make the difference between stability and hardship. I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution and stand alongside my colleagues in affirming that Buffalo will do everything in its power to sup port those who have given so much for our nation.”

“It is our moral duty to pro vide whatever support we can for those who have served and sacrificed for our freedoms,” said Councilmember Wyatt. “By opting into this exemption for severely disabled veterans, we are demonstrating our commitment to our veterans and offering real relief to individuals in need. I’m proud to co-sponsor this resolution to help ensure disabled veterans remain in stable housing, and to show these service members the respect and gratitude that they have earned.”

The matter will return before the Common Council after Corporation Counsel drafts the local law. Upon its final approval, Council Members will clarify when the exemptions take effect and outline the actions that qualifying veterans must take in order to take advantage of the tax exemption.