25-1709 : Citizens Planning Council Report & Recommended 2026 Capital Budget & 2027-2030 Capital Improvement Program

The Citizens Planning Council (CPC) has submitted its Report and Recommended 2026 Capital Budget and 2027-2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to Mayor Scanlon. The report details 115 project/funding requests totaling $179,657,557 from various city entities, with the CPC recommending a $28,000,000 budget for 2026, aligning with the Comptroller's advised maximum capital debt.

Key Recommendations for 2026 Capital Budget:

• Public Safety: Includes $3,600,000 for new Buffalo Fire Department apparatus and $1,600,000 for BFD building improvements. The Buffalo Police Department is recommended $1,925,000 for new vehicles (including a Bearcat) and $2,360,000 for facility upgrades.
• Education: All $88,600,000 in Buffalo Public Schools (BPS) projects are recommended, as they are eligible for up to 97% NYSED building aid. Significant BPS projects include $25,000,000 for PS #212's move to Buckham Hall, $8,700,000 for PS #95 (Waterfront Elementary) roof, mechanical, and playground upgrades, and $8,000,000 each for LED lighting and central AC at PS #18 and PS #80.
• Infrastructure & Facilities: The Department of Public Works (DPW) Division of Engineering is allocated $5,583,044.05 for citywide infrastructure. Cultural and educational organizations receive $3,754,888, including $1,140,000 for Shea's Buffalo Theatre auditorium roof and $1,105,000 for Buffalo Zoo perimeter fence.

Process Improvement Recommendations: The CPC also urged greater collaboration on annual bond sales, evaluation of older projects for bond repayment, and consideration of selling city-owned buildings operated by self-sufficient cultural organizations. This item has been tabled multiple times by the Finance Committee and is scheduled for further review on January 13, 2026.