Initiatives for a Stronger Community

Although indicators show that the County as a whole is better off than it was a few short years ago, some of Erie County’s residents are not reaping the benefit of this upswing to the same extent as others. Moreover, poor health outcomes also continue to be more likely here than in other counties in New York State. Initiatives for a Stronger Community is the Poloncarz Administration’s health and human services action plan for Erie County government based on the idea that it is unacceptable for a newly revitalized Western New York to leave behind significant portions of our community when we can effect positive change in their lives. As such, the plan outlines specific measures that Erie County government will undertake to improve the quality of life for residents in need. Initiatives for a Stronger Community is grounded in compassion and premised on two fundamental principles: County government represents everyone (not just taxpayers); and Government is an essential partner, and where appropriate, it can and should lead. This plan reflect these key values. They are inclusive, work to address needs and create opportunities, embrace both leadership and partnership, and support the ongoing efforts of others to build a stronger community

Intitatives for a Smart Economy 2.0

Just like its predecessor, I4SE 2.0 is organized in a manner that focuses on those sectors of the local economy identified by WNYREDC as growth sectors. It identifies initiatives within those sectors where Erie County can make a meaningful contribution. These sectors include: advanced manufacturing, smart growth implementation, workforce development, agriculture, bi-national logistics, energy, and tourism. The report also identifies specific initiatives that Erie County will undertake in other important areas, beyond the WNYREDC growth sectors, that contribute to a thriving and inclusive local economy. These include quality of life initiatives, as well as those focused on the “blue” economy and enhancement of the Erie County Industrial Development Agency (“ECIDA”)

Comptroller\u27s Review of the Costs of Real Property Tax Assessment in Erie County

The New York State Office of Real Property Services (“NYSORPS”) has stated that “New York\u27s property tax system is, arguably, the most complex and confusing in the country.” NYSORPS data show that there are 1,133 distinct assessing units in New York State, as contrasted with 59 in California. Only the State of Michigan has more assessing units than New York State. In Erie County, thirty (30) municipal governments consisting of cities, towns and villages assess real property. For many years, NYSORPS has been encouraging local governments across the state to consider terminating their assessment functions and utilizing other, more efficient potentialities, including countywide assessment. Recently, elected state leaders have joined this movement

Initiatives for a Smart Economy

The concept of sustainability has gained a foothold in Western New York and previous brownfield sites. These efforts continue as New York State (“NYS”) Energy Research and Development Authority (“NYSERDA”) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) offer communities the opportunity to compete for tens of millions of redevelopment dollars for the presentation of a thorough, innovative, and collaborative sustainability plan for their region. Moreover, grassroots, non-profit, and neighborhood leaders throughout the cities, towns, and villages in Erie County are successfully reviving local commercial corridors in the heart of each community, rigorously promoting the important advantages of supporting local businesses, and giving a louder voice to our treasured assets. These individuals and institutions (some with national recognition) are also increasingly linked to and partnering with local governments throughout the County to serve the community and creatively address challenging problems

Erie County Commits to Paris: How Erie County Can Meet US Target Reductions for Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Erie County can take action to ensure its part in protecting the well-being and future of our planet by promulgating a plan to implement the United States target contribution plan to the Paris Agreement, as it pertains to Erie County, and to take such further action as it may by law to enforce the target contribution goals set by the United States within the bounds of the County of Erie, State of New York.erie_county_paris_climate_report_jan_2018.pdf: 41 downloads, before Oct. 1, 2020

Intitatives for a Smart Economy 2.0

Just like its predecessor, I4SE 2.0 is organized in a manner that focuses on those sectors of the local economy identified by WNYREDC as growth sectors. It identifies initiatives within those sectors where Erie County can make a meaningful contribution. These sectors include: advanced manufacturing, smart growth implementation, workforce development, agriculture, bi-national logistics, energy, and tourism. The report also identifies specific initiatives that Erie County will undertake in other important areas, beyond the WNYREDC growth sectors, that contribute to a thriving and inclusive local economy. These include quality of life initiatives, as well as those focused on the “blue” economy and enhancement of the Erie County Industrial Development Agency (“ECIDA”).Initiatives_For_Smart_Economy_2_0_2017.pdf: 41 downloads, before Oct. 1, 2020

Initiatives for a Smart Economy

"The concept of sustainability has gained a foothold in Western New York and previous brownfield sites. These efforts continue as New York State (“NYS”) Energy Research and Development Authority (“NYSERDA”) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) offer communities the opportunity to compete for tens of millions of redevelopment dollars for the presentation of a thorough, innovative, and collaborative sustainability plan for their region. Moreover, grassroots, non-profit, and neighborhood leaders throughout the cities, towns, and villages in Erie County are successfully reviving local commercial corridors in the heart of each community, rigorously promoting the important advantages of supporting local businesses, and giving a louder voice to our treasured assets. These individuals and institutions (some with national recognition) are also increasingly linked to and partnering with local governments throughout the County to serve the community and creatively address challenging problems.Initiatives_for_a_Smart_Economy_2013.pdf: 60 downloads, before Oct. 1, 2020

Initiatives for a Stronger Community

Although indicators show that the County as a whole is better off than it was a few short years ago, some of Erie County’s residents are not reaping the benefit of this upswing to the same extent as others. Moreover, poor health outcomes also continue to be more likely here than in other counties in New York State. Initiatives for a Stronger Community is the Poloncarz Administration’s health and human services action plan for Erie County government based on the idea that it is unacceptable for a newly revitalized Western New York to leave behind significant portions of our community when we can effect positive change in their lives. As such, the plan outlines specific measures that Erie County government will undertake to improve the quality of life for residents in need. Initiatives for a Stronger Community is grounded in compassion and premised on two fundamental principles: County government represents everyone (not just taxpayers); and Government is an essential partner, and where appropriate, it can and should lead. This plan reflect these key values. They are inclusive, work to address needs and create opportunities, embrace both leadership and partnership, and support the ongoing efforts of others to build a stronger community.Initiatives_for_a_Strong_Community_2015.pdf: 26 downloads, before Oct. 1, 2020

Buffalo Poverty Research Workshop: Opening Remarks

While Erie County’s unemployment rate and levels of poverty are better than the state and national averages, not everyone is benefitting from our resurgent economy. In fact, many at the lowest rung of the economic ladder are being left behind, and income inequality is now putting at risk the middle class. Poverty plays a profound role in the educational challenges in a city where nearly one in two students does not graduate high school on time. Poverty also contributes to high rates of adult illiteracy, poor health, criminal activity, homelessness, unemployment, and dependency on limited government services.DataDemographicsHistory__Buffalo_Poverty_Research_Workshop_Opening_Remarks.pdf: 16 downloads, before Oct. 1, 2020

Comptroller's Review of the Costs of Real Property Tax Assessment in Erie County

The New York State Office of Real Property Services (“NYSORPS”) has stated that “New York's property tax system is, arguably, the most complex and confusing in the country.” NYSORPS data show that there are 1,133 distinct assessing units in New York State, as contrasted with 59 in California. Only the State of Michigan has more assessing units than New York State. In Erie County, thirty (30) municipal governments consisting of cities, towns and villages assess real property. For many years, NYSORPS has been encouraging local governments across the state to consider terminating their assessment functions and utilizing other, more efficient potentialities, including countywide assessment. Recently, elected state leaders have joined this movement.Government__Comptroller_s_Review_of_the_Costs_of_Real_Property_Assessment_in_Erie_County.pdf: 40 downloads, before Oct. 1, 2020