Buffalo City Council Wants Your Thoughts On New City Budget

The great Greek philosopher Plato, who taught people like Aristotle, wrote in his book The Republic: One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors. And, if you look at the state of the political system in places like Buffalo and Western New York, it's quite clear that's what's been happening.

Since being well-informed and participating in the governmental system is a key part of having an effective society, people who live in Buffalo have an opportunity to make sure that the system is moving in the right direction.

Earlier this month, Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan released his proposed budget for the next fiscal year in Buffalo. That budget, which includes a nearly 26% increase in the property tax levy, will have a significant impact on the people who live and do business in Buffalo for years to come. There have been a lot of opinions expressed about the budget on social media and in the streets around Western New York, but those mediums don't actually have an impact on what happens in the halls of city government.

READ MORE: Buffalo Residents Can Use New Calculator To Estimate Property Tax Increase

The Mayor and members of the City's Common Council have been having meetings and listening sessions to get people's opinion on what should be thier priorities, and one of the last chances to make your thoughts known about the city Budget is happening at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, during a public hearing at Buffalo City Hall.

The city's public comment period officially ends on April 30th. You can submit your written comments here on the city's website, or you can attend the public hearing.

The society we live in requires you to do more than complain on Facebook. So if we want to see something different in our city and region, we need to get out and let our voices be heard.