Buffalo, NY
Municipality in New York
United States
Buffalo, NY prevents sewer overflows during storms with the Wastewater Network Optimization System
Xylem's platform collects data from sensors throughout the city's sewer system. Machine learning processes result in predictions about potential overflows during heavy rains. This system automatically channels water into sewer pipes with available capacity, thus preventing wastewater from entering local waterways. The Buffalo Sewer Authority did not need to add new infrastructure for the project and can scale up the platform's use for future system extensions.
Buffalo, NY
United States
Buffalo, NY used open data to identify properties in urgent need of lead remediation
The City of Buffalo passed critical legislation prioritized by the Lead Safe Task Force that expanded the city inspectors’ ability to conduct interior inspections of residential rental units. The city used open data to identify properties in urgent need of lead remediation and secured $2.3 million in federal funds to help address the issue.
Buffalo, NY
United States
Buffalo, NY is opening public school outdoor spaces and playgrounds for public use after hours
The Buffalo Common Council approved an agreement between the City of Buffalo and the Buffalo Public School System to allow the use of facilities for non-students. According to the agreement, 17 public schools and 6 athletic facilities will open outdoor spaces and playgrounds for public use after school hours. The agreement was designed to improve park accessibility by helping children play with walking distance from their homes.
Buffalo, NY
United States
Buffalo, NY considers switching from a mayor-council government to a city manager form of governance
The Buffalo Common Council is considering switching from a mayor-council government system to a council-manager government. If approved, a city manager would be selected by the nine-member Council in conjunction with the community to carry out the will of Council members. The Council staff is currently researching the pros and cons to having a city manager and is expected to present their findings in a report scheduled to be released two weeks before the election in November.
Buffalo, NY
United States
Buffalo, NY expands affordable housing inventory with the Demolition and Immediate Infill Pilot
The city's Division of Real Estate locates a blighted property for acquisition and demolition. Project partners like Habitat for Humanity build affordable homes on the properties within one year. City officials kicked off the program by demolishing a blighted home in the Masten District. The pilot focuses on historic neighborhoods where dilapidated homes bring down property values and impact curb appeal.
Buffalo, NY
United States
Buffalo, NY improves COVID-19 outreach to residents with Good Neighbors Network
The city distributed door knockers to 150,000 households containing information on public health services. One side of each door knocker included the weekday 311 number serviced by 13 remote employees. City officials, the University of Buffalo, and Cisco converted the 311 call center into a work-from-home environment over a single weekend. Residents flipped the door knocker to its bright-colored back to request assistance from neighborhood volunteers.
Buffalo, NY
United States
Buffalo, NY takes a holistic approach to COVID-19 resource management with new dashboard
The city worked with Tyler Technologies to automatically compile COVID-19 data from state and national sources. Residents stay connected to their communities with volunteer opportunities and a virtual culture page on the dashboard. City officials divided services for impacted communities into eight categories ranging from childcare to business assistance. Buffalo added an In Memoriam section to remember those who have died from COVID-19.
Buffalo, NY
United States