$5M Invested in Buffalo Urban League Headquarters

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the Buffalo Urban League is advancing plans to develop an innovative, mixed-use campus along the Jefferson Avenue Commercial Corridor on Buffalo’s East Side, backed by a new $5 million state investment. The transformative development will bring together office space, workforce development services, housing counseling, arts and cultural programming and for-sale residential condominiums, just blocks from the site of the tragic May 14, 2022, Tops Supermarket shooting. Designed as a vibrant and welcoming community hub, the project will expand access to the Buffalo Urban League’s programs and services while serving as a catalyst for renewed investment, economic opportunity and revitalization along Jefferson Avenue. The $5 million grant will be administered by Empire State Development.

“The Urban League is a fierce defender of the equality and justice that define New York, and Buffalo stands at the very heart of our state's civil rights story,” Governor Hochul said. “Following the tragedy at Tops Market, the new Buffalo Urban League Headquarters will stand as a powerful symbol of resilience, ensuring that legacy of empowerment continues for generations. This project embodies what happens when we invest in people and places. Our $5 million state investment will create a vibrant hub for housing, jobs and vital community resources. Reaffirming New York’s commitment to equity, I am proud to celebrate this milestone with the Buffalo Urban League and all the partners who are working to bring this vision to life.”

“We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul for her unwavering support and recognition of the transformative potential of this investment in Buffalo’s East Side,” said Thomas Beauford, Jr., President and CEO of the Buffalo Urban League. “This project represents more than a new facility. It is an investment in people, neighborhoods and opportunity. By bringing together critical services, housing and cultural resources in one dynamic location, we will strengthen our ability to connect Buffalo residents with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive, while contributing to the continued revitalization of the Jefferson Avenue corridor.”

The Buffalo Urban League has engaged nationally recognized Alligood Song Architecture, in partnership with Buffalo-based Carmina Wood, to lead the project’s design.

To fund the project at 1137 Jefferson Avenue, the Urban League will use a $6 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, a $5 million grant administered by Empire State Development, a $1 million State grant administered by the the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), and additional funding from Erie County, the City of Buffalo and Fidelis and their parent Centene Corp.

Empire State Development President CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Under Governor Hochul’s strong leadership, New York is making intentional, long-term investments that uplift communities and drive equitable economic growth. Empire State Development is proud to support this transformative project, which aligns with the Governor’s vision to inject vital resources directly into the heart of Buffalo’s East Side. By anchoring this modern facility on Jefferson Avenue, we are expanding access to the Urban League's essential services while creating a catalyst for future job growth and commercial revitalization.”

DASNY President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, “Governor Hochul understands that strong communities are built on strong institutions, and the Buffalo Urban League has long been a source of opportunity and support for families across Western New York. This new headquarters will expand access to essential services, strengthen the Jefferson Avenue corridor and create new opportunities for economic growth on Buffalo's East Side. DASNY is proud to help advance this important investment and support the Urban League's continued commitment to the community it serves.”

Representative Tim Kennedy said, “The Buffalo Urban League has been a cornerstone of our community for generations, opening doors to opportunity and helping Western New Yorkers build a better future for themselves and their families. I’m fighting to secure federal funding for this project because Buffalo’s East Side deserves investment, opportunity and the resources to thrive. Governor Hochul’s $5 million commitment builds on that effort, bringing together partners at every level to deliver the investments our community deserves. This new headquarters will strengthen workforce development, support local entrepreneurs, and create a hub where families and businesses can grow for generations to come. When we work together to invest in our community, we build a stronger Buffalo and a stronger Western New York for everyone.”

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “For close to a century, the Buffalo Urban League has built upon a vision of creating a stronger, more equitable Buffalo. So, Governor Hochul’s $5 million investment into a new building for the Urban League, on Jefferson Avenue, is an investment in the community. The new headquarters will allow the Urban League to reach a greater section of community with their programs. I thank Governor Hochul for once again making an impact on her hometown.”

State Senator April Baskin said, “The Buffalo Urban League’s new headquarters is an opportunity to bring new life to the East Side by creating space for workforce development, entrepreneurship and housing. I was proud to allocate $1 million toward this project as Chair of the Erie County Legislature, and I’m glad to see Governor Kathy Hochul is committing an additional $5 million to help make this vision a reality. This is the kind of investment our community needs to create opportunities and build a stronger future for the East Side.”

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said, “The Buffalo Urban League plays a vital role in helping individuals and aspiring businesspeople achieve their dreams, building a future for themselves while strengthening our workforce and local economy. This project will give the League an even greater opportunity to transform lives and create brighter futures right here in Erie County and I thank Governor Hochul for her commitment.”

Erie County Legislator Lawrence Dupre said, “The Buffalo Urban League is an organization that continues to do outstanding work empowering our residents and strengthening our communities. This investment from Gov. Hochul will build on their impact, creating new opportunities for economic growth, workforce development, and a brighter future for Jefferson Ave and Buffalo’s Eastside.”

Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan said, “The Buffalo Urban League helps residents build careers, supports young people and connects families with housing and economic opportunity. Their new home on Jefferson Avenue will build on that work, creating a place where East Side residents can learn new skills, grow a business and come together as a community. I thank Governor Hochul for this $5 million investment and the Buffalo Urban League for its continued commitment to expanding opportunity in our city.”

Buffalo Common Council Majority Leader Leah Halton-Pope said, “Thank you to Governor Hochul for making this $5 million investment in the Buffalo Urban League and the people it serves. This new community hub will help residents prepare for good jobs, support entrepreneurs as they build their businesses and provide space for neighbors to come together. This investment will strengthen the League’s ability to serve our families and expand economic opportunity on Buffalo’s East Side.”

Buffalo Council Member Zeneta Everhart said, “This $5 million commitment for a new Buffalo Urban League headquarters space is great news for residents along Jefferson Avenue and for the many Buffalonians who utilize this legendary organization’s services. BUL has provided economic, educational and housing opportunities to our community for over a century, and this new space will enhance their ability to deliver services while also creating a vibrant community space for nearby residents. I thank Governor Hochul and our state leaders for continuing to invest in and support our community.”

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development (ESD) is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

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