Open Buffalo is proud to be featured in the Summer 2026 Environmental Justice Report published by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The Community Spotlight, written by Open Buffalo's Max Anderson and Dr. James Golden, highlights our ongoing efforts to address environmental inequities, empower residents, and create healthier, more sustainable communities throughout Buffalo.
A central focus of the feature is Open Buffalo’s East Side Soil Project, an initiative funded through a Community Impact Grant from DEC’s Office of Environmental Justice. The project examined soil contamination across 139 properties on Buffalo’s East Side, revealing alarming levels of lead contamination. Findings showed that average soil lead concentrations were more than three times the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s threshold for unrestricted use, with some clusters of homes near a school exceeding that level by more than ten times.
These findings reinforce the urgent need for environmental justice initiatives that prioritize communities disproportionately affected by historical pollution and environmental neglect.
Beyond research, the report recognizes Open Buffalo’s commitment to community education, youth leadership, and environmental advocacy. Through initiatives such as our annual Eco Justice Block Party and youth-centered educational programming, we are equipping residents with the knowledge, resources, and tools to advocate for healthier neighborhoods and a more resilient future.
The feature also highlights an exciting milestone: Open Buffalo’s acquisition of 10 acres of land on Buffalo’s East Side for the future Urban Ecology Campus. This transformative project will create opportunities for green workforce development, environmental education, small business incubation, healing, wellness, and restorative justice. The campus will also serve as a space to explore soil remediation strategies that can benefit neighborhoods throughout the East Side.
At Open Buffalo, we believe environmental justice is inseparable from racial and economic justice. Every resident deserves access to clean soil, safe neighborhoods, and opportunities to thrive.
This recognition reflects the collective work of our staff, community partners, and residents who continue to advocate for a healthier, more equitable Buffalo.
We invite you to learn more about our ecological justice initiatives and explore the full feature in the DEC’s Summer 2026 Environmental Justice Report.
Read Open Buffalo’s Community Spotlight on pages 2–3 of the report.