Government Take Action
Making state and local government more democratic, efficient, and accountable will require campaign finance reform, the curtailing of independent authorities, and increased regional cooperation. It will also require close attention to issues of patronage, contracting procedures, ethics, public input, transparency, and the enforcement of existing laws and regulations.
Major reform is required to (i) reduce the tax burden on people with low incomes; (ii) increase taxes on products and activities that cause pollution in order to reflect their true social and governmental costs; (iii) reduce wasteful corporate tax subsidies; and (iv) provide greater, more equitable, and more predictable support to high-poverty cities and counties.
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January 9, 2025
Buffalo Common Council Summary: Week of January 6, 2025
by PPG Staff Each week, PPG summarizes important takeaways from the major Buffalo Common Council meetings. We also include information from council meetings related to our Community Agenda items. If you want to learn more about how the council meetings work and how you can get involved, check …
January 3, 2025
Buffalo Common Council Summary: Week of December 30, 2024
by PPG Staff Each week, PPG summarizes important takeaways from the major Buffalo Common Council meetings. We also include information from council meetings related to our Community Agenda items. If you want to learn more about how the council meetings work and how you can get involved, check …
January 3, 2025
WGRZ: "Buffalo Water's misallocation of $11M sparks affordability crisis amidst rising debt
Nate Benson | January 3, 2025 On the heels of allegations that Buffalo Water misused $11 million from the American Rescue Plan funds it received, a new study highlights a gap in affordability and a growing water debt problem in the Queen City. Buffalo Water was awarded $11M from the Rescue …
December 27, 2024
Buffalo Common Council Summary: Week of December 23, 2024
by PPG Staff Each week, PPG summarizes important takeaways from the major Buffalo Common Council meetings. We also include information from council meetings related to our Community Agenda items. If you want to learn more about how the council meetings work and how you can get involved, check …
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Erie County Budget 101 WorkshopJune 17, 2025, 12:30-2 pm
Erie County’s annual budget is over $2 billion. What are the major areas of spending? When is the budget proposed and adopted? How can residents advocate for priorities to be funded or cut in the 2026 budget?
FOIL for the Facts Workshop (Virtual Only)May 20, 2025, 12:30-2 pm
Michael Higgins
How do you submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to get public records, data, and information from government? How can organizers and advocates use FOIL to strengthen their campaigns?
Buffalo City Budget 101 WorkshopMarch 18, 2025, 12:30-2 pm
Buffalo’s annual budget is over $600 million. What are the priorities in the proposed budget for 2025-2026? What is the annual budget process, and how can you influence it? Where does the City get its revenue, and what are the biggest areas of spending?
FOIL for the FactsDecember 17, 2024, 12:30-2 pm
UB School of Law Civil Rights and Transparency Clinic
How do you submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to get public records, data, and information from government? How can organizers and advocates use FOIL to strengthen their campaigns?
