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.
In cities across the United States, everyday people are working to transform our democracy by strengthening their voices in local government, shaping an economy that works for all, and reimagining public safety and health. They are organizing locally to imagine and build a new future where people …
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 …
We prepared this memo for the Buffalo Common Council to explore potential funding options for the Proactive Rental Inspection (PRI) program. It discusses modestly increasing the city's rental registry fee, using American Rescue Plan funds, and several other funding options. We sent this memo along …
On March 14, 2024, Commissioner Cathy Amdur of the Dept of Permits and Inspections submitted a report to the council (download) about the status of Proactive Rental Inspections program. On March 28, PPG submitted the following letter to the council in response to the Commissioner's report. We …
Uniting on the High Road: A Conference on Economic Justice at the Local Level will take place on June 20-22, 2024 in Buffalo, NY. Hosted by Cornell University ILR Buffalo Co-Lab and Partnership for the Public Good, with community and academic partners from across Buffalo and nationwide, the …
Two out of five New Yorkers with children report that they or an adult member of their household decided to forgo employment outside of their home due to child care, according to survey data from Cornell University’s 2023 Empire State Poll. Child care issues are inextricably linked to New …
What is Open Data Buffalo? What’s available? How can I use it?
At PPG, we want you to know how the council works so that you can feel confident making your voice heard in council chambers.