Community Invited To Talk About Upcoming Property Tax Hike In Buffalo

Since the start of 2026, if there has been one thing that has been a constant discussion point from Buffalo City Hall is that the finances of New York State's second-largest city are in near dire straits, and something significant has to be done to bring the revenues and expenses of Buffalo into balance.

While there is no question that Buffalo has its work cut out for itself to right the direction of the city, exactly how much money is needed to do so is under investigation, discussion, and consideration now. The first part of that process is underway as we speak, as the Empire State is working on the New York State Budget, which is due to be approved by April 1st.

While that is going on, folks in Buffalo City Hall, both the Mayor's office and Buffalo Common Council, are taking steps to invest in the city and make sure the city has the cash it needs.

KEEP READING: Buffalo Takes First Steps To Tax Foreclosure Auction Later This Year

Governor Hochul and the State Legislature have stepped up to help Buffalo fix part of the problem, but the long-term corrections have to come from Buffalonians, and that will have to include a tax increase.

Some Say Buffalo's Property Taxes Are Way Too Low

Just about four years ago, Buffalo did something it hadn't done for nearly two decades: raise property taxes. For years, while taxes in the Empire State have soared to all-time highs, the property taxes in Buffalo have been extremely low in comparison. Buffalo has by far the lowest taxes in Western New York and a lower tax rate than every other city in New York. Which, on first glance, sounds great; until you consider what that actually means for its residents.

In addition to Buffalo having some serious, structural, financial deficits, the city government just has not had enough money to take care of basic services that a city as important as Buffalo should have.

Things like snow plowing, pothole repair, city parks and pools, community centers, and more, are all funded by taxes, and since Buffalo collects so little, it doesn't have a lot to spend on the things that the people deserve.

Buffalo's City Council Needs Your Help Figuring Out How To Balance The Budget

It's clear that property taxes need to increase, so the real underlying question that needs to be answered is: by how much? To help get to that answer, the Buffalo Common Council is asking for comments and input from city residents.

At 11 am on Monday, March 16, 2026, in City Hall, the Common Council is holding a public hearing to talk about the local law that controls how much Buffalo can raise taxes.