Mayor Byron W. Brown continues to lead the local effort to raise awareness about the
safety of the COVID-19 vaccination. Today, Mayor Brown announced that he will participate in the
“Take the COVID-19 Vaccine Town Hall Radio Show” on Tuesday, January 5th. From 6pm to 7pm,
residents can listen to WUFO 1080 AM/Power 96.5 FM or call in with questions about the virus and
vaccine. Other guests joining Mayor Brown include NAACP President Pastor Mark Blue, Senator Tim
Kennedy and many local health care professionals. The informational forum is sponsored by the
NAACP, WUFO 1080AM and BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York.
Mayor Brown stated, “These vaccinations are turning the tide in our long battle against the
COVID-19 global health pandemic. It will work better if everyone participates in receiving
vaccinations. This town hall is an opportunity to get answers to any questions you might have about
the vaccine. In the meantime, let’s continue to be patient and follow the CDC guidelines to protect
the public health and safety of our community.” At the beginning of December, Mayor Brown announced
that he joined President-Elect Biden and Former Presidents Obama and Clinton in vowing to take the
vaccine live on TV and social media to help reassure residents of the vaccine’s safety. Mayor Brown
also released a Public Service Announcement emphasizing the safety and effectiveness of the
COVID-19 vaccination doses. To view the PSA, visit vimeo.com/492627729/b480accdaa.
Parking reminders for tonight
The 9am-4pm Alternate Street Parking restrictions are in effect to help assist crews in the effort
to clear streets in the wake of the record snowfall in the City over the holiday weekend. Mayor
Brown urges residents who live in these zones to sign up for BuffAlert Parking Updates, the new
tool that notifes residents of the implementation of the restriction ahead of snow events. Sign up
by texting JOIN PARKINGUPDATES to 30890. Once enrolled, participating residents will receive a text
message or phone call 24 hours before the 9am-4pm restrictions take effect. Also, there is a regular
6 pm parking switchover tonight, from 6 pm Monday to 6 pm Thursday for the streets with those
signs. The alternate side parking on these streets is critical for emergency vehicle access and
snow removal.
Mayor Brown extends donation deadline for the Buffalo Business Blitz
The Buffalo Business Blitz initiative has raised nearly $94,000 since it launched on December 1st.
The partnership with Buffalo Bills Cornerback Josh Norman provides assistance to small businesses
in Buffalo during the COVID-19 emergency. The program funds grants of up to $2,500 each to
participating impacted businesses. The donation deadline is Thursday, December 31st, 2020. To
donate, visit www.starz24.org.
Grievance period deadline approaches
Grievance Period for the City of Buffalo ends on Thursday, 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.
Buffalo City Hall closed on New Year’s Day
Buffalo City Hall will be closed on Friday, January 1, 2021, for the New Year’s Day holiday.
Holiday garbage and recycling collections
Friday garbage and recycling collections are scheduled for Saturday due to the New Year’s Day
holiday. All other collections remain unchanged.
COVID-19 testing available
To fnd 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.