Buffalo Common Council

History

From Buffalo's incorporation in 1832 the common council existed under New York State charters. In the early years of the common council the Buffalo Mayor, the head of the executive branch of the Buffalo government was also the president of the common council, head of the legislative branch. From 1832 to 1854 all mayors were also Common Council President. Eli Cook was the first mayor who did not serve as Common Council President for his whole term as mayor. From 1832–1913, no mayor served as Common Council President. In 1914, New York State charters established a council that consisted of five members – a mayor and four council members. From 1913 to 1927, the council was composed of the mayor, Commissioner of Finance and Accounts, Commissioner of Public Works, Commissioner of Parks and Public Buildings, Commissioner of Public Affairs, and the mayor was the chairman of the board. In 1926, the Kenefick Commission was appointed to form a new city charter after New York State authorized its cities to write their own charters in 1924. Since 1927, no Mayor has presided over the common council.

A 1983 downsizing eliminated two at-large members. A 2002 downsizing eliminated the remaining three at-large members and the elected Common Council President. The size of the council's membership has been shrinking roughly in tandem with the decrease in population.

Composition

Members

The Democratic Party is the dominant party in Buffalo politics; no Republican or other party member has won a seat on the council in several decades, and all occupied seats are currently held by Democrats. As of October 15, 2024 the current membership is as follows:

According to the web site of the City of Buffalo, there is a Majority Leader and a Minority Leader if there are members from more than one political party. In practice, there is a majority leader even when all members of the council are from the same political party; a local law was passed in November 2002 to allow this. Mr. Christopher Scanlon was appointed by a majority of the Council on May 16, 2012, to fill the vacancy created when Michael P. Kearns won a seat on the New York State Assembly in a special election to fill a vacancy there. Mr. Scanlon secured his seat by winning in a subsequent general election. Scanlon vacated his South District seat after he became Mayor of Buffalo through right of succession in October 2024, and the Common Council is currently considering legislation on how to address the vacancy. The term of all current Common Council members expires on December 31, 2027.

Committees and Organizations

• Budget Committee
• Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA)
• Civil Service Committee
• Claims Committee
• Community Development Committee
• Education Committee
• Finance Committee
• Joint Schools Construction Board
• Legislative Committee
• Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Committee
• Police Oversight
• Rules Committee
• Transportation Committee
• Water Front Committee

References

References

1. "Erie County, NY Board of Elections".
2. "History of the Common Council". City of Buffalo.
3. Rizzo, Michael F.. (2005). "Through The Mayors' Eyes: Buffalo, New York 1832-2005". Lulu Enterprises, Inc.
4. "Legislative Branch - The Common Council".
5. link. (February 8, 2011 directs one here. It is speculated {{citation needed). (July 2013 that this is due to a desire on the part of the City Government not to allow Citizens to actually know the law under which they have consented to live.)
6. Submitted by WGRZ Web Staff Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 1:29pm [http://southbuffalo.wgrz.com/news/news/65979-scanlon-appointed-south-district-councilman Scanlon Appointed South-District Councilman]
7. Whalen, Ryan. (September 17, 2024). "Buffalo Common Council resolution would address mayoral vacancy procedures".