districts, primarily focused on housing development. For business expansion, tax abatements serve as a key tool, particularly for the downtown fiber network project that’s positioning Buffalo as a tech-ready community.“We have a municipal fiber utility that we are investing a lot of resources in because we know that that’s a service that means a world of difference and is the future of our community,” Gronau says. The municipal fiber utility represents a forwardthinking investment in Buffalo’s economic future.“Our fiber utility doesn’t stop at one gig,” says Facilities and IT Director Jason Meusburger. “It’s going to be able to offer up to 10 gigs.” This infrastructure gives Buffalo a competitive edge in attracting remote workers, tech companies, and even small data centers. “Having city-owned and run utilities and the ability to innovate on top of that is hopefully going to be exciting for upcoming businesses,” Meusburger adds. Light manufacturing forms the backbone of Buffalo’s industrial sector, with Whirltronics serving as a standout success story.“They specialize in lawnmower blades,” says Kelly.“and at one point were – and may still be – the second largest supplier of lawnmower blades in the country.”The city aims to replicate this success in its new 100-acre business park, seeking light industrial tenants that offer stable, well-paying jobs.“We’re hoping to find an anchor tenant to really kick off that process,” Kelly notes, emphasizing the city’s focus on businesses that can thrive long-term in Buffalo’s business-friendly environment. Through this multi-pronged approach, Buffalo is creating an ecosystem where businesses of various scales can establish roots and grow. INFRASTRUCTURE & FUTURE EXPANSION Buffalo’s infrastructure strategy balances immediate needs with long-term growth through its comprehensive Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).“We develop a five-year CIP that includes water, wastewater, stormwater, streets,” explains Gronau. “We look at that on a continual basis and try to continue to meet those needs.” This forwardlooking approach ensures the city can meet both current demands and future expansion requirements. The city’s utility system faces unique challenges 76 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06
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