BUFFALO, N.Y. — The departure of Buffalo's longest-serving Mayor will mark a turning point for a city that's been on the rise during his tenure but faces a challenging future as he leaves.
Byron Brown was eagerly elected as the first black Mayor of Buffalo in 2005, a milestone that started his upward trajectory and a career like all politicians marked by highs and lows.
From party leadership to city government reaction to Brown's departure contained both praise and criticism.
Praise.
"He's had a profound impact in our community," said Erie County Democratic Party Chairman Jeremy Zellner.
And criticism.
"You know to say he hasn't done anything that wouldn't be true because we see a city that has blossomed in a lot of ways but now we have some huge challenges in front of us so it's kind of bittersweet," said University District Councilmember Rasheed N.C. Wyatt.
Brown announced Monday that he would be leaving office "in the coming weeks" to pursue a new job as president and CEO of Western Regional OTB. His departure however was long talked about and considered a poorly kept secret by many.
"I think a lot of us have heard enough of this over the last year and a half or however long it's been and we really have to get to work we have some really huge challenges ahead of us," Wyatt said.
Notable accomplishments during Brown's mayorship include the revival of HSBC Tower, now Seneca One, and much of downtown, the opening of Canalside, Harborcenter, and other so-called 'Buffalo Renaissance' projects.
More recently he led the city through a once-in-a-generation tragedy on May 14, 2022, and a deadly blizzard.
Like a double-edged sword, however, both led to scrutiny about the continued struggles on Buffalo's east side and equity across the city.
Not to mention, his 2021 write-in reelection campaign led some to question Brown's commitment to the job and more recently his administration has faced questions about the city's long-term finances.
"I want to try to be as objective as possible because I could say a lot of things... there was a time when he was a good listener and he listened to the community but then there was a time when he turned it off and I think that's the part many people will remember most because that's more recent," said Wyatt.
In a statement to 2 On Your Side Governor Kathy Hochul praised Mayor Brown for his leadership and wished him well in his new endeavor.
“I have known Byron Brown since we both started out in elected office and served on our respective city and town councils. He has dedicated his entire career to improving the lives of the people of Buffalo, and he has been a tireless advocate for the city we both call home. Mayor Brown and I have stood shoulder-to-shoulder during some of the most challenging times in Buffalo's history, and I've seen his leadership skills time and again. I wish him the best as he moves on to new opportunities.” - Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY)
When Brown officially departs for his new job, Buffalo Common Council President Chris Scanlon will become acting mayor and serve out his remaining term through 2025.
Both Wyatt and Zellner noted the significance of such a change after nearly two decades of leadership.
"I'm really looking forward to moving into the future here but I can't thank him enough for his service and wish him the best as he leaves," said Zellner.
The chairman added that while he looks forward to having Buffalo neighbors involved in the upcoming mayoral candidate selection process Zellner said the current focus of the Erie County Democratic Party is the upcoming election on November 5, 2024.
That hasn't stopped potential candidates from putting feelers out.
Wyatt, Scanlon, Ellicott District Councilmember Leah Halton-Pope, Ryan Caughill, Buffalo Board of Education at-large member Terrance Heard, State Senator Sean Ryan, former Buffalo Commissioner Garnell Whitfield, and 2021 mayoral primary winner India Walton are all on the shortlist.
Sources in the Erie County Republican Party also tell 2 On Your Side they plan to recruit and field a candidate for Mayor of Buffalo in 2025, which could make for a more competitive race than has occurred in a long time.