July Events

CEJ has deemed July 'Getting Our Money's Worth' month. We have a number of important events coming up related to our local and statewide efforts to ensure greater government and corporate accountability.

Some background: CEJ has convened over 40 local organizations as part of the Canal Side Community Alliance. Together we're calling for legally binding standards on the $300 million development of Buffalo's waterfront. We have successfully won a resolution for the Buffalo City Council that they won't transfer 13 acres of City Land until the Harbor Corporation meets with CEJ and our allies to negotiate standards for the project.

But, the Harbor Corporation continues to stonewall, refusing to meet with our community alliance.

Due to continued concern about the viability of the project, and the Corporation's refusal to meet, the City Council has called a public hearing for Tuesday, July 13th at 5pm. We are trying to encourage people to come to this as the more people we have in the room, the more pressure is put on the Harbor Corporation to come to the table. We would greatly appreciate it if you could be in attendance if you are available. The hearing is in the council chambers on the 13th floor of City Hall.

Second, on Tuesday, July 20th CEJ will be leading a panel discussion on overhauling the state's economic development programs, specifically IDAs. This is part of the monthly Partnership for the Public Good Series. It will be at 237 Main Street on the 12th floor from 4pm-5:30pm.

And finally, with the nation in a recession and Albany embroiled in infighting and scandal, we feel like the competence of our elected officials is more important than ever. So, we will be having State Senate candidates from the 58th, 59th, 60th, and 61st districts come and answer questions from an expert panel and the public on Thursday, July 29th. The event will be held at the Allen Hall Theater on University of Buffalo's South Campus at 5:30pm. The forum will be focused on issues of jobs, economic development, and government reform. We're also in the midst of putting together a voter guide for the 58th, 59th, 60th, and 61st districts that we'll be distributing after the forum.

Turnout for the Candidates Forum is particularly important. We aim to achieve a significant turnout and we really want to demonstrate to elected officials that they need to be prioritizing jobs and sustainable economic development.

If you and your friends can make it to any of the above events, we urge your attendance. Together, we can create the pressure needed for bring about change. Thank you!