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As employers across Buffalo Niagara look ahead to 2026, the BNP is focused on delivering to its members what matters most to business growth, competitiveness and long-term success:

• Policy advocacy that ensures the needs of businesses are represented in decisions that affect the future of our regional economy
• Convening opportunities for business leaders to foster partnerships and build meaningful relationships across Buffalo Niagara
• Tailored talent development programs and strategies that train, develop and retain leaders at every stage of their careers
• Timely learning opportunities that equip members with insights they need to navigate a changing business landscape and drive informed decisions

Here’s a look at how the BNP will support and advocate for Buffalo Niagara employers in the year ahead.

An inflection point

This past year brought significant positive legislation change – as well as challenges – being felt across many industries and our entire region. Together, business and government leaders at every level can meet the moment with collaborative and sensible policymaking. The BNP’s top 2026 priorities include:

• Protecting Buffalo Niagara’s economic engines by leveraging the global economy, improving access to healthcare, strengthening educational institutions, and investing in research and innovation.
• Igniting community development through increased housing production, improvements to the Brownfield Cleanup Program and strategic investments in transportation infrastructure.
• Powering the economy of the future by reexamining the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), embracing American energy production, expanding renewable capacity, providing utility rate relief and preserving access to home heating.
• Paving the way for technology growth by unlocking the semiconductor manufacturing sector, balancing artificial intelligence oversight with innovation, expanding broadband access and incentivizing tech investment.
• Improving New York’s business climate by advancing reasonable insurance reforms and reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens.
• Enabling economic mobility by addressing the Benefits Cliff and expanding access to education and workforce training opportunities.

The year will also bring opportunities to work with several new faces in local offices as we continue to advocate for smart public policy that helps foster a healthier economy today and for future generations.

Download the 2026 Advocacy Agenda →

Building, connecting & investing in members

The BNP has redefined its three core membership tiers to better align valuable resources with organizations’ goals to accelerate growth, forge meaningful connections and expand influence.

• BNP Builder: Make meaningful connections that build brand visibility and accelerate growth. (Learn more)
• BNP Connector: Form strategic partnerships that solve long-term solutions to systemic challenges. (Learn more)
• BNP Investor: Drive systemic change, deepen your civic influence and shape what's next alongside the region's most influential leaders. (Learn more)

Reach out for tailored options that fit your current and future business goals →

Year 2 for talent programs

After a successful first year, registration is now open for the spring 2026 cohorts of BNP Grow leadership development and BNP Empower management training programs.

Along with Executive Exchange, these popular programs support emerging leaders at every stage of their careers – from younger professionals to managers and C-suite executives.

Contact Ann Brooker, senior manager of talent programs, to learn how these programs can support your talent needs.

Transforming the Tech Hub

The NY SMART I-Corridor will continue expanding its supply chain opportunities, supporting workforce growth and driving innovation that shapes Upstate New York’s semiconductor ecosystem.

One way businesses can plug into opportunities is through the NY THRIVE program, which supports businesses in commercializing new technologies by offering innovation vouchers that can be used to access advanced facilities, specialized equipment, maker spaces and research assistance provided by participating universities, nonprofit organizations and companies across the region.

Explore opportunities within the NY SMART I-Corridor →

1 year in the Cobblestone District

This March, we’ll celebrate the one-year anniversary of our move to BNP @ the cobblestone.

We’ve hosted more than 300 reservations and welcomed over 3,000 visitors in the first 10 months. And with several bookings already secured within the first few weeks of January, it’s already shaping up to be a busy 2026 for team trainings, networking events, regional conference and more.

Book your next event or email booking@thepartnership.org to become a registered user.

Leadership transition

After leading the BNP for more than a decade, CEO Dottie Gallagher will retire in June and be succeeded by current President & COO Grant Loomis.

“Grant’s leadership, commitment and proven track record make him the right person to guide the Buffalo Niagara Partnership into its next chapter." Gallagher said in September. "I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this organization and our region, and I am confident the BNP will continue to thrive under Grant’s leadership.”

Related reading

• 2025 Year in Review: Rallying the Buffalo Niagara region