The City of Buffalo has added amendments to the charter to restructure the Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities.
The committee advises the city of policies and procedures to help people with disabilities access all benefits and opportunities available to them. The new changes were made to enhance the effectiveness and representation of the committee.
“This amendment is a crucial step forward in ensuring that the voices of our disabled residents are heard and that their needs are met with diligence and respect,” said Fillmore District Council Member Mitch Nowakowski in a release. “By streamlining the committee and enhancing its responsibilities, we are reinforcing our commitment to making Buffalo an inclusive city for everyone.”
Mayor Byron W. Brown added, “I am proud of my Administration’s collaboration with the City’s ADA Advocate Brittney Montgomery, Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski and the members of the Common Council to pass this local law for immediate passage to improve the Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities. For Buffalo to be a City inclusive of all of its residents, we need voices at the table who represent the needs of all of our constituencies. I will move swiftly to appoint new and diverse members to this board so they can get to work as quickly as possible.”
Officials say the changes will reduce the number of committee members from 21 to 11, allowing the committee to be more focused and streamlined to address the needs and concerns of Buffalo's disabled community.
Changes include:
- Committee Composition: 11 members appointed by the mayor for staggered terms, with at least 6 members being persons with disabilities.
- Initial Appointments: All members will be appointed simultaneously with varying initial term lengths to ensure a smooth transition to the new structure.
- Meeting Frequency: A minimum of 4 meetings per year, ensuring regular oversight and communication.
- Enhanced Responsibilities: The committee will actively advise on policies, monitor building accessibility, and report deficiencies to the appropriate city departments.
The new ordinance goes into effect immediately.
