Block by Block: Buffalo Builds Toward Equity
Erie County, the City of Buffalo, and the Buffalo Niagara Land Bank broke ground on 47 new affordable single-family homes, a bold $24.5 million investment using American Rescue Plan funds to meet the moment in the midst of a growing housing crisis.
This is what equitable development looks like:
Strategic infill housing on long-vacant city lots
A mix of stick-built and modular construction
Affordability tailored to families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level
Equity retention via smart subsidy and lien protections
Led by County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz, Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon, BENLIC Executive Director Jocelyn Gordon, and local partners, this initiative is a model of cross-sector collaboration and commitment to the beloved community.
Homes are being developed in Ken-Bailey, University Heights, Old First Ward, Lower West Side, Black Rock, and Riverside—neighborhoods with deep roots and real promise.
At Great Lakes Urban Empowerment (GLUE), we lift up public policy and investment that builds toward equity, justice, and sustainable change. Buffalo is showing what it looks like when government leads with courage and partnerships are built to serve.
Buffalo builds. The Great Lakes rise.
Read more in the Erie County official release (April 15, 2025):
“Erie County, City of Buffalo, Land Bank Begin Construction on Affordable Housing in City of Buffalo”
Author: Erie County Executive’s Office
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