Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency - Affordable Mixed Income Housing through Strategic Investment

In-fill Housing Investments

The Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA) and the City of Buffalo Office of Strategic Planning (OSP) are aiming to achieve 40 percent affordable housing in neighborhoods throughout the City of Buffalo through strategic investments.

BURA and OSP are currently in the process of launching a construction loan program that will assist with the creation of in-fill affordable housing in high-need areas of the city. This will increase the stock of affordable homes available in these neighborhoods.

LaSalle Equitable Transit Oriented Development (ETOD)

The NFTA and City of Buffalo have released a Request for Qualifications seeking qualified developers for the redevelopment of six parcels that encompass the LaSalle Station Metro Rail station.

While development plans have yet to be finalized, the City and NFTA envision an equitable transit-oriented development, with affordable and/or mixed-income housing units, an activated 1st floor, and vibrant streetscapes and public spaces that will complement the surrounding residential area.

ETOD is development that enables all individuals regardless of race, income, ethnicity, age, gender, immigration status or ability to experience the benefits of mixed-use development near transit hubs.

Knowledge Corridor

A new knowledge-based economy is emerging on Buffalo’s Main Street corridor. The Main Street Corridor is now the location of key economic drivers for the city including the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Canalside, the Central Business District, Canisius College, and the University of Buffalo.

NFTA’s metro rail line runs the length of Main Street and is positioned to enhance the interconnectivity of Main Street’s anchors. By enhancing anchors on the Main Street Knowledge Corridor, residential, employment, entertainment uses, and recreational amenities will generate more ridership and improve cross town connections bridging the divide to employment opportunities.

Additionally, creating mixed-use neighborhood centers and a more vital public realm along the Knowledge Corridor will ultimately support both Metro Rail and a revitalized Main Street for city residents.

Comprehensive Affordable Housing RFP

The City of Buffalo and Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency are anticipating the release of a Comprehensive Affordable Housing Requests for Proposals (RFP).

The Comprehensive Affordable Housing Request for Proposals (RFP) will be soliciting housing project proposals that prioritize affordability and are seeking funding through the City’s American Rescue Plan allocation.

Through the City of Buffalo’s American Rescue Plan Spending Plan, $16.3M was allocated to the advancement of affordable housing citywide. Of that $16.3M, approximately $7.2M will be made available through the Comprehensive Affordable Housing RFP.

The intention of this funding is to support projects that align with the needs of the community that were heard during community engagement undertaken by the City of Buffalo.