Better Buffalo Fund
The Better Buffalo Fund aims to create vibrant, mixed-use, high-density neighborhoods and is focused on giving all residents of the City of Buffalo greater access to the major employment hubs - projected to create thousands of jobs and increase the city’s tax base. Announced as part of Governor Cuomo’s Buffalo Billion initiative, the $40 million fund will create stronger transit and transportation access linkages between neighborhoods and existing and growing employment centers, job training and services.
The Better Buffalo Fund offers grants and revolving loan funds through two initiatives - Transit Oriented Development and Buffalo Main Streets. Although funding is offered periodically, funding applications are now closed for the third round of BBF. Click here for more information.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced on June 22, 2018 a total of 11 projects, including five on the East Side of Buffalo, received funding awards totaling $7,780,930 through Round Three of the Better Buffalo Fund. The fund was established to support projects that encourage density and growth along transportation corridors and revitalize neighborhood commercial districts. This third round of funding will help complete the renovation of 172 residential units and more than 130,795-square-feet of storefront and commercial space, while leveraging over $64.26 million in private investment.
Transit-Oriented Development Awarded Projects
Six Transit-Oriented Development awards totaling $6,130,930 in grants and loans.
- 950 Broadway - $2,000,000 loan
- Jefferson Avenue Apartments - $1,902,094 loan
- TOD at 65 Northland - $170,156 grant
- Blackrock Freight House - $750,000 loan
- 72 Sycamore Street - $359,000 grant
- The Kyndall Building- $949,680 loan
Buffalo Main Street Initiative Awarded Projects
Five Main Streets awards totaling $1,650,000 in grants.
- North Buffalo Infill - $500,000 grant
- Vibrant Seneca Street - $300,000 grant
- Grant Street Buffalo Main Streets Initiative - $300,000 grant
- Black Rock Revival - $300,000 grant
- 1235 Hertel Avenue - $250,000 grant
A description of all the projects can be found here.
The Better Buffalo Fund is the primary vehicle under the Buffalo Billion to foster the transformation of the City of Buffalo’s physical environment by improving transportation and revitalizing neighborhoods. With the tremendous expected economic and job growth facilitated through Buffalo Billion initiatives—now numbering thousands of new jobs—the Better Buffalo Fund will ensure people are connected to those jobs.
August 2018 - ECHDC Announces Sinatra & Company as Developer for South Aud Block
June 2018 - Governor Cuomo Announces $7.7 Million in Better Buffalo Fund Awards
March 2018 - Governor Cuomo Announces Ribbon Cutting of $5 Million Alexandre Apartments in Downtown Buffalo
March 2018 - Governor Cuomo Announces Ribbon Cutting of $16 Million Lofts at University Heights in Buffalo
January 2018 - Governor Cuomo Announces Opening of the Mattress Factory on Buffalo's East Side
December 2017 - Governor Cuomo Announces Applications Now Available for Third Round of $40 Million Better Buffalo Fund
May 2017 - Governor Cuomo Announces the Grand Opening of The Siano Building in Buffalo
January 2017 - ESD Announces Restoration of Historic Parkside Candy Business to Begin
August 2016 - Governor Cuomo Announces More Than $9 Million in Better Buffalo Fund Awards
June 2016 - ESD Announces Unveiling of Turner Brothers' Lofts
February 2016 - Governor Cuomo Announces Grand Opening of Newly Renovated Varsity Theatre on Buffalo's East Side
February 2016 - Governor Cuomo Announces Applications Now Available for Second Round of $30 Million Better Buffalo Fund
April 2015 - Governor Cuomo Announces Recipients of Better Buffalo Fund Incentives
October 2014 - Governor Cuomo Announces Applications Now Available for Better Buffalo Fund
September 2014 - Governor Cuomo Announces First Phase of Major Redevelopment Project on Buffalo's East Side