Buffalo, NY--- Mayor Brown today continued to call on Washington, D.C. for direct federal relief after Congress omitted states and locality relief in its $900 Billion pandemic stimulus bill. The agreement includes stimulus payments of $600 to individuals below a certain income level, a $300 weekly federal enhancement in unemployment benefits for 11 weeks,   the reopening of the Paycheck Protection Program, aid for schools and colleges and much more. Mayor Brown says the continued exclusion of relief for State and Local governments will have a lasting, devastating impact on communities across the nation and hamper the post-COVID recovery effort.

Mayor Brown stated, “While I am pleased Americans will soon receive some relief by the passing of this measure, Congress continues to fail State and local governments struggling with massive revenue losses. Jobs, economic recovery, critical services and much more are at risk without quick federal action.”

Go Bills! Visit the Buffalo City Hall Bills Banner Selfie Station

Mayor Brown invites residents to visit the front of Buffalo City Hall to check out the new banner congratulating the Buffalo Bills on their AFC East title win. Mayor Brown encourages residents to take selfies under the banner, tagging the team and Mayor Brown with a message of support for a chance to be shared on the Mayor’s social media channels. Residents are encouraged to wear their masks and maintain safe physical distancing in their selfies to help emphasize the importance of health and public safety during the Coronavirus emergency.

Brown Administration recognized with statewide planning award

Mayor Brown congratulated the City of Buffalo Division of Planning & Zoning, led by Director of Planning Nadine Marrero, for being recognized by the New York Chapter of the American Planning Association for work on the Buffalo Green Code. Director Marrero’s leadership led to the adoption in 2016 of the Green Code Unified Development Ordinance, the first major overhaul to City zoning laws since 1953. The Green Code serves as the City’s blueprint for zoning and development in the 21st Century. The New York Upstate APA’s mission is to serve and support the professional, student, and citizen planning communities in New York State and to improve the quality of life through the use of planning.

Parking reminder for tonight

Tonight, there is a 6 pm parking switchover, from 6 pm Monday to 6 pm Thursday. The alternate side parking on these streets is critical for emergency vehicle access.

Buffalo City Hall closed on Christmas Day

Buffalo City Hall will be closed on Friday, December 25th, 2020, for the Christmas holiday. Additionally, the Treasury Office will close at 3pm on Thursday, December 24th, 2020.

Grievance period deadline approaches

Grievance Period for the City of Buffalo ends on December 31st. All real property grievances must be received by the Assessment and Taxation Department office by 4:30pm on Thursday, December 31, 2020. Grievances can be mailed or dropped off at the drop box located in the Elmwood Avenue City Hall entrance. For more information, visit www.buffalony.gov.

The Assessment & Taxation Department continues to be closed to the public. Anyone needing services can call the department at 851-5733. Video conferencing is available upon request.

For assessment inquiries, call 851-5733 and select option 1 or email COBAssessor@city-buffalo.com. For tax inquiries, call 851-5733 and select option 2 or email taxquestion@city-buffalo.com. For exemption inquiries, call 851-5733 and selected option 3 or email cobexemption@city-buffalo.com.

City of Buffalo User Fee Office continues operations remotely

The City of Buffalo User Fee office is no longer offering in-person appointments at this time. Any resident in need a copy of their User Fee Bill, Change of Address Form or to speak to someone about their bill should contact 851-5370. Copies of bills will be printed and available for contactless pickup in Room 114 at Buffalo City Hall.

Mayor Brown encourages residents to donate toys this holiday season

If you missed the drop off events last week but would like to still donate new or unwrapped toys or gift cards, drop off bins are located at the entrances of Buffalo City Hall. The collection will end on December 24th. So far, we have collected nearly $20,000 in gift items and gift cards from generous residents. The Police Athletic League of Buffalo will distribute the collected items to families in need across the City of Buffalo.

Buffalo Business Blitz receives nearly $80,000 in donations

The Buffalo Business Blitz initiative has raised nearly $80,000 since it launched on December 1st. The Buffalo Business Blitz is a partnership with Buffalo Bills Cornerback Josh Norman to provide assistance to struggling small businesses in Buffalo during the COVID-19 emergency. The program began when Josh Norman provided $25,000 of his own money to fund grants of up to $2,500 each to participating impacted businesses. If you’d like to donate, visit www.starz24.org.

Reminder: Holiday garbage and recycling collections

This year, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are on a Friday. During those weeks, Friday garbage and recycling collections will be picked up on Saturday. All other collections remain unchanged.

Sign up for BuffAlert Parking Updates initiative

Over 4,600 residents have signed up for the new 9am-4pm parking tool to assist residents during snow events in the City of Buffalo. Residents can sign up for the BuffAlert Parking Update initiative by texting JOIN PARKINGUPDATES to 30890. Once enrolled, participating residents will receive a text message or phone call 24 hours before the 9am-4pm Alternate Parking Restrictions need to be enforced for snow maintenance. The program provides residents with notice to move their vehicles in these zones during snow events.

Only a few days left to win in the Downtown Dollars Giveaway

The Downtown Dollars Giveaway initiative, a partnership between Buffalo Place and Buffalo Urban Development Corporation’s (BUDC) Queen City Pop Up Program, continues to attract consumers to Downtown Buffalo businesses. Shoppers have the opportunity to win $50 Downtown Dollars Giveaway Certificates now through December 24th. The contest is presented through the Buffalo Place social media channels. Several times per week Buffalo Place will post a photo and description of a participating Downtown Dollars Giveaway business. Entrants will be instructed to “like” the post and featured business and tag two friends in order to be entered to win a $50 Downtown Dollars Certificate, good at 20 participating businesses. To learn more, visit buffaloplace.com or buffalourbandevelopment.com.

COVID-19 testing available

To find the closest COVID-19 test site near you, visit covid19.buffalony.gov. The map contains a complete listing of all COVID-19 testing sites throughout the City with contact information for setting up an appointment, hours of operation and whether the site requires a prescription for testing.

BETC continues to link residents to available jobs

Local job experts continue to help residents impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. If you are looking for a new job, call the Buffalo Employment and Training Center at 856-JOBS. Employment counselors are available for remote one-on-one counseling sessions.

Help save lives by giving blood

Mayor Brown asks healthy, COVID-19 symptom-free residents to give blood to help maintain an adequate supply. Donating is safe and precautions are in place to protect donors. To make an appointment, visit connectlifegiveblood.org.

Sign up for BuffAlert

Use BuffAlert to stay informed on important information like emergencies and cancellations. You can sign up by texting JOIN BUFFALERT to 30890.