Mayor Sean Ryan released his proposed 2026–2027 City of Buffalo Budget on April 15, outlining a plan to address the city’s $109 million structural deficit and invest in essential services. The proposal aims to restore fiscal stability for the first time in a generation by focusing on core infrastructure and responsible financial management.
The budget is significant as it seeks to resolve long-standing financial challenges caused by years of flat revenues, rising costs, and imbalanced budgets. By prioritizing investment in the Department of Public Works, Mayor Ryan’s administration intends to improve pothole repair, snow removal, and streetlight maintenance.
According to Mayor Ryan, “This budget is about doing things the responsible way. We are reinvesting in the basics and putting Buffalo on a path to stability that will allow us to deliver the services our residents deserve for generations to come. That means more money to fix our streets, upgrade our equipment, and keep our roads clear in the winter. This is how we will build a better Buffalo.”
The proposed general fund expenditures total $681 million—a 2% increase over projected spending for the previous fiscal year. To help close the gap, new revenue sources are included such as an increase in property tax levy. For nearly two-thirds of homeowners, this increase will be less than $25 per month; about one in five homeowners will see an increase under $15 per month. The city has also launched a tax comparison calculator on its website so residents can estimate changes based on their property assessment and exemptions.
To further engage with residents about these changes, Mayor Ryan announced “Breaking Down the Budget with Mayor Sean Ryan,” a public event scheduled at the Buffalo Central Library auditorium at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21. Residents are encouraged to register online ahead of time.
