“‘Have you seen Buffalo lately?’ That was the oft-repeated response I gave to people who asked me why I went to Buffalo in July to speak at the Buffalo Urban Futures Forum, hosted by CannonDesign in partnership with Next City,” writes Tom Dallessio for Next City. “Tree-lined streets, solid housing stock, a renewed interest in pedestrian and bicycle transportation, investments in people and buildings, and an enthusiasm for the future make ‘The City of Good Neighbors’ a city to watch. Although a shrinking city — Buffalo reminds us that legacy cities are too valuable to pass by.” “Bringing together local leaders who are key to Buffalo’s recent resurgence, the forum explored what comes next regarding urban development, infrastructure investment, sustainability and innovation for the city. These leaders from Buffalo’s strongest businesses, institutions and nonprofits thought boldly about how the city can capitalize on its recent resurgence for an even brighter future. More importantly, the forum set the stage for a larger effort where public, private, nonprofit and academic institutions will work collaboratively to present the new Buffalo.” “I know what you’re thinking: What about the legendary winters Buffalo is known for? I’m happy to report Buffalo has a response, engaging the owners of the football and hockey teams in redevelopment that Buffalonians can enjoy. ‘We’re having a lot of fun with our new projects and we like it even more because we’re partnering with our neighbors,’ said Frank Cravotta, executive VP of creative services for Pegula Sports & Entertainment Group.” “But Buffalo is more than its downtown and its new zoning code—which promotes density and made Buffalo the first city in the U.S. to eliminate parking minimums—will only be successful if the city employs inclusive implementation strategies. Rahwa Ghirmatzion, director of programs for People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH Buffalo) kept the focus on neighborhoods and people.” “Talent is another commodity in ample supply in Buffalo. Eileen Morgan, chief human resources officer for Delaware North, one of the world’s largest privately held companies, noted, “Buffalo is a great place to recruit from. Telling the Buffalo story is less and less of a challenge every week and every day. The resurgence has just been amazing — it’s really about building awareness about all the city has to offer.” “Building on that talent, Buffalo has a $5 million prize competition offering free incubator space, tax breaks, and some fierce ping-pong, according to Bill Maggio, partner at Lorraine Capital and Chairman of 43North. Founded in 2014, 43North was made possible by Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Buffalo Billion initiative.” “All of this serves to answer the question Next City raised in 2009: Has Buffalo hit bottom? Or is it rising again?”
