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Who's going to benefit from all the economic development happening in our city? Will working-class families have a shot at the American dream here in Buffalo?

All of this is yet to be seen. But if we leave the future of Buffalo to the hands of the developers and the market, we can guarantee Buffalo will become a tale of two cities.

Partnership for the Public Good, PUSH Buffalo, Coalition for Economic Justice and many other partners have joined forces to form the High Road Economic Development campaign to ensure equitable economic development, good jobs, and a sustainable environment for all.

I'm excited to announce that with the support of the Chorus Foundation, Open Buffalo will expand our capacity and bring on Harper Bishop to help lead the fight! In addition to tremendous passion and tenacity, Harper brings over a decade of local economic development expertise to their new position as the Economic and Climate Justice Coordinator at Open Buffalo.

Since returning home to Buffalo from Washington, D.C., Harper has advocated for a new economy that puts people first and protects our environment. Harper is a 2013-2014 BALLE Local Economy Fellow for their efforts to champion Rust Belt localism. In addition to this work, Harper is a founder of Cooperation Buffalo, a worker cooperative development center, and Board Chair of Assembly House 150, an experimental art and architecture space that enhances the sense of wonder in everyday surroundings. They are married, and live with their partner on Buffalo's West Side.

To help welcome Harper to the Open Buffalo family, we will hold a reception here at our office. Stay tuned for details....

Peace and blessings,

Franchelle Hart

Executive Director

Open Buffalo