25-1728 : Halton-Pope: Calling for the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA) to Give a Comprehensive Spending Update on City of Buffalo CDBG, HOME,ESG and HOPWA Program Administration
Summary
This resolution, initiated by Council Member Leah Halton-Pope and sponsored by the Finance Committee, calls for the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA) to provide a comprehensive spending update on federal funds it administers. BURA manages the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) programs on behalf of the City.
The Council requires a detailed written report within sixty (60) days covering:
- Funding Sources: Total CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA funds received over the last three (3) fiscal years, plus any additional grants.
- District-Level Expenditures: A breakdown of spending by Council District for each program and funding source over the past three years.
- Program-Specific Details: Amounts allocated, expended, and remaining for specific programs including the Buffalo Lead Program, Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance, Emergency Assistance Loan, Owner-Occupied Home Repair, Roof Program, Target Focus Area, Vacant Rental, 50/50 Program, and the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Program.
- Performance and Outcomes: Number of households served and projects completed for each program, with available geographic and demographic data.
- Unspent Funds and Spending Plan: Current unspent balances, a proposed plan for their expenditure, and a forward-looking funding plan for the next fiscal year.
Additionally, BURA is requested to present its findings and spending plan to the Community Development Committee and make the information publicly available online. The resolution was adopted by the Common Council on October 14, 2025, and has been tabled by the Finance Committee multiple times, with the next scheduled discussion on January 13, 2026.