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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 "a document full of quick fixes" that lacks clear priorities for housing production and long-term revenue reliability.
Kevin Deese, a West Side resident and Navy Reserve officer, praised the mayor’s commitment to outreach about tax exemptions but urged the council to publish workshops and track STAR enrollment by ZIP code. "Sixty percent of eligible homeowners aren’t enrolled," Deese said, and recommended more aggressive, monitored outreach so relief reaches the neighborhoods that need it.
Multiple speakers said the proposed 25% levy will cascade to renters and small businesses. "Landlords pass it through. Renters don’t qualify," Deese said. Adel Munazar, president of the Arab American Business Association, urged phasing any increase over five years to avoid overwhelming small businesses that operate on slim margins.
Several public commenters asked the council to prioritize prevention and services over expanded police spending. Kalia Griffin of the University District suggested reallocating some police resources toward youth programs, street-cleaning initiatives and transit affordability. "If we are going to invest in safety, invest in youth programs and community centers," Griffin said.
Speakers also pressed for fiscal accountability and alternatives to immediate tax hikes: suggestions included restoring regional revenue sharing, a modest transfer or payroll-based tax, and targeted cuts or audits of personnel and administrative functions such as 311 or building-security spending.
Council staff closed the hearing noting the council must act by May 24 and that members planned meetings with department heads in coming days to get outstanding questions answered before the vote.
The hearing produced no recorded roll-call votes; procedural motions opened and closed the public comment period and the meeting adjourned following council motions.
