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Buffalo public hearing erupts in opposition to proposed 25% property tax hike; residents demand alternatives
Summary
At a Common Council public hearing, dozens of residents criticized Mayor Ryan’s proposed budget—especially a roughly 25% property tax levy increase—and urged the council to seek alternatives, protect community services and ensure STAR enrollment outreach.
Hundreds of residents and community leaders told the Buffalo Common Council at a public hearing that Mayor Ryan’s proposed 2026–27 budget places an unfair burden on homeowners and renters and prioritizes policing and new deputy mayor positions over community services.
Speakers across neighborhoods argued the administration relied on one-time revenue and fines rather than structural reforms. "Our zeroed-out reserves and structural gap make the need for revenue undeniable," said James Speaker of the Ellicott District, who voiced conditional support for the levy and the sale of parking garages but called the plan…
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