Buffalo, N.Y. – Mayor Byron W. Brown today announced the celebration of Welcoming Week in the City of Buffalo, and noted Buffalo’s recent designation as a ‘Top Welcoming City’ in a first-ever national assessment of local integration process.
“It’s my honor to see Buffalo recognized, yet again, for our work to ensure that we’re a welcoming city that includes, incorporates and values our immigrant and refugee communities, stated Mayor Brown. “We’re proud to join with our local resettlement agencies and organizations across the city to celebrate Welcoming Week.”
To kick-off National Welcoming Week, Mayor Brown today personally welcomed newly-naturalized U.S. citizens at a naturalization ceremony held at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site. National Welcoming Week brings U.S. communities together and raises awareness of the benefits of welcoming the nation’s immigrants, refugees and newcomers.
As part of the City’s celebration of Welcoming Week, Mayor Brown has directed that the dome of City Hall be lit orange, which is the color of the Olympic refugee team flag.
The dome lighting also celebrates the City’s inclusion, and high ranking, in the first annual New American Economy (NAE) Cities Index, a new national assessment of local integration policies and socioeconomic outcomes. The NAE Cities Index examines policies, practices, and assesses cities on their work to integrate newcomers. Assessment categories include, among other things, Government Leadership, Economic Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Community Engagement.
Overall the City of Buffalo ranked 32nd out of 100 cities and under Policy, Buffalo ranked 12 out of 100. The City also scored 5 out 5 in the category of having a Supportive Legal Environment, while scoring 4 out of 5 in the categories of Government Leadership, Economic Empowerment, and Community Engagement.
The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority will join the City and the International Institute of Buffalo in marking National Welcoming Week by lighting the Peace Bridge in orange.