News

In concert with hosting our 2023 Annual Community Meeting, Open Buffalo has published our 2022 Annual Report.

Founded in 2014, Open Buffalo has been fighting for more equitable and just systems on local and state levels for nearly 10 years! We believe that ordinary people hold the power to enact meaningful change and our Leadership Development programs have proved this to be true. From our signature Emerging Leaders and Youth Action programs to various anti-racism and ecological justice trainings, hundreds of Western New Yorkers have gone on to run for political office, work in government, own businesses, run nonprofits, sit on boards, and resist all forms of oppression.  

We have and continue to partner with groups that envision an ‘open’ world free from discrimination, poverty. Our landmark campaigns include de-prioritization of low-level marijuana possession by the Buffalo Police Department, Open Buffalo’s Community Restoration Project which led to the passing of New York’s Marijuana and Taxation Act (MRTA), and the statewide Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). 

Fast tracking to 2022, Open Buffalo’s resilience was put to the test being steps away from the terrorist attack at Tops Markets. The love we have for our community and the support we received from our Advocates for Justice allowed us to push forward and serve thousands of residents on the East Side throughout the year. We were also able to hire a Director of Racial Equity & Justice to lead our existing Race, Power, and Privilege program – helping businesses and institutions develop anti-racist frameworks that are implemented in and outside of workspaces. 

Despite the odds, our team is incredibly proud of all we accomplished last year. We invite you to explore the impact we made and learn about some of our ecological initiatives this year by reviewing our 2022 Annual Report.