City of Buffalo Strengthens Advocacy for Disabled Residents

The City of Buffalo has added changes to the charter to restructure the Disability Advisory Committee.

The committee advises the city on policies and procedures to help people with disabilities access all benefits and opportunities available to them. The new changes were made to improve the effectiveness and representation of the committee.

“This amendment is a critical step in ensuring that the voices of our residents with disabilities are heard and their needs are met diligently and respectfully,” Fillmore District Council Member Mitch Nowakowski said in a statement. “By streamlining the committee and strengthening its responsibilities, we are strengthening our commitment to making Buffalo an inclusive city for all. »

Mayor Byron W. Brown added, “I am proud of my administration’s collaboration with the City’s ADA advocate Brittney Montgomery, Council Member Mitch Nowakowski and Common Council members to pass this local law. for immediate adoption to improve the advisory committee for people with disabilities. . For Buffalo to be a city inclusive of all of its residents, we need voices at the table that represent the needs of all of our constituencies. I will move quickly to appoint new and diverse members to this board so they can get to work as quickly as possible.

Officials say the changes will reduce the number of committee members from 21 to 11, allowing the committee to be more focused and streamlined to address the needs and concerns of Buffalo’s disabled community.

• Composition of the committee: 11 members appointed by the mayor for staggered terms, of which at least 6 members are persons with disabilities.
• Initial nominations: All members will be appointed simultaneously with varying initial term limits to ensure a smooth transition to the new structure.
• Frequency of meetings: A minimum of 4 meetings per year, ensuring regular monitoring and communication.
• Increased responsibilities: The committee will actively advise on policies, monitor building accessibility and report deficiencies to relevant municipal departments.

The new ordinance takes effect immediately.