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STATEMENT FROM THE

BUFFALO NIAGARA PARTNERSHIP

TO THE BUFFALO FISCAL STABILITY AUTHORITY

On behalf of the 2,500 employer members of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, thank you for the opportunity to comment on Mayor Brown’s proposed 2010-11 City of Buffalo budget. From the perspective of those doing business in New York State, it is refreshing to be addressing a budget proposal that is well thought out, does not rely upon fiscal gimmicks, and protects taxpayers. We frustratingly continue to urge Albany toward the same.

The overarching theme in the Mayor’s proposed budget is the City’s ability to hold the line on property taxes. In the economic environment in which we find ourselves, it has become increasingly convenient for governments to attempt to balance budgets on the backs of business taxpayers. We applaud Mayor Brown’s approach of proactively finding ways to reduce the size and cost of government on behalf of city taxpayers. We urge the Common Council and Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority to preserve the Mayor’s commitment to controlling costs and holding the line on property taxes.

Among the proactive approaches the Mayor has proposed to keep the budget in check is the elimination of vacant positions, also a staple in overextended governments facing rising costs and diminishing revenues. The proposed budget demonstrates thoughtfulness on the Mayor’s part in separating positions that have specific financial impact on the City budget and operations, including those that bring in revenue or reduce expenses. Too often, “across the board” cuts – while appealing from a public relations point-of-view – are implemented to the detriment of the taxpayers, and we are pleased with a more strategic cost-saving tactic.

Of course, the numbers on paper do not work without the streamlining of government, and the Partnership is pleased to have worked closely with the Mayor’s office in finding efficiencies in City government that are now being formally proposed in the Mayor’s budget. Among those are the reorganization of the Parks Department, to complement the City’s new relationship with the Olmsted Parks Conservancy, and also the City’s economic development functions into the Office of Strategic Planning. These cost-saving measures will lead to great efficiency and effectiveness in City operations, add to our quality-of-life, and provide a greater return-on-investment for personal and business taxpayers.

As New York State government continues to languish in budget negotiations, Mayor Brown’s proposed 2010-11 City of Buffalo budget demonstrates that creativity, strong fiscal management and a conservative approach to spending are indeed possible despite the economic climate. We support passage of the Mayor’s budget, and look forward to continuing to work with his administration to bring private sector management principles into city government.

Thank you.