Comptroller Miller Williams Responds to Mayor Ryan’s Proposed Budget

Barbara Miller Williams

Mayor Sean Ryan has released his Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Recommended Budget and Four-Year Financial Plan. The City of Buffalo’s Department of Audit and Control will initiate a comprehensive review of the recommended budget. As mandated by the City Charter, Comptroller Miller Williams will submit her Annual Budget Response.

The Recommended Budget totals $681,104,790, representing an increase of $59,030,375, or approximately 9.5%, over the prior fiscal year. At first glance, the budget presents a materially balanced estimation of revenues and expenses for Fiscal Year 2026-2027; however, further analysis will be necessary to assess its forecasted accuracy.

The Comptroller’s office will also conduct a detailed evaluation of the expenditures and the reliability of projected revenues. Of particular concern is the net inclusion of $40,150,000, in non-recurring revenues, which includes $15,150,000 in proceeds from the Sale of the Park ing Ramps, an additional $15,000,000 in New York State Aid in Municipalities (AIM) funding, and a projected $10,000,000 from the sale of the In-Rem properties. Given the volatility of the current real estate market and the one-time nature of these sources, there is a risk that these revenues may not fully materialize in the upcoming fiscal year and could impact the City’s financial outlook in the outyears.

“While the proposed budget appears balanced on its face, it leaves the City with limited flexibility to respond to unforeseen financial pressures,” said Comptroller Barbara Miller Williams. “Unexpected events, such as natural disasters, unbudgeted legal settlements, or rising maintenance and operational costs, could quickly reduce our already limited financial resources.”

Additional analysis and comments from Comp troller Barbara Miller Williams will be included in her forthcoming Budget Response, which will be submitted not later than Friday, April 24th. Residents are encouraged to review the Mayor’s recommended budget and remain engaged in the City’s financial planning process. The full budget document is available online at: https://www.buf falony.gov/161/Division-of-Budget.

To further support public engagement, Comptroller Miller Williams will be hosting a Public Financial Meeting regarding the Recommended Budget on April 29, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Down town Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, located at 1 Lafayette Square. This meeting is free and open to the community to participate.