Community Voices Concerns Over Buffalo's Proposed Tax Increases

While there are a lot of things that are in the short and long-term future for Buffalo that we don't know what's going to happen yet, there is one thing that is for sure that is on the horizon, which will impact the daily lives of Western New Yorkers for years: taxes.

While there are several people throwing out different figures, there is no doubt that Buffalo is dealing with a serious financial shortfall. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature are planning to help Buffalo with a $40 million infusion of cash, but the city has to find ways to make up the difference going forward.

Earlier this year, the Buffalo Common Council approved a measure to allow Mayor Sean Ryan to increase taxes above the New York State 2% tax cap, but before city officials can move forward with the tax increase, they have to hold public meetings for people to share their opinions and thoughts about the increase.

That happened earlier this week, and the people of Buffalo sure had a lot to say.

Residents Share Their Thoughts About Tax Increase At Public Hearing

On Monday, March 16, 2026, at Buffalo City Hall, the Mayor hosted a public meeting for people to give their ideas, thoughts, and opinions about property taxes in Buffalo and the fact that taxes are potentially going to increase in the 2026/27 budget year.

Of the people who spoke, the general consensus was that people agree that Buffalo is in a tough financial situation, but many people pushed back hard against Buffalo issuing a large tax increase. Several residents spoke about how there have to be protections for people who are either low-income or on a fixed income.

While it's too soon to know exactly how much of an increase is on the table, the Mayor and his administration have until April to submit their proposed budget to the Common Council, so we'll know pretty soon.