Recent Work

Regional Revitalization Partnership (RRP)

Regional Revitalization Partnership (RRP)

The RRP takes a public-private approach that will maximize impact and leverage additional investment for Buffalo’s East Side and the urban cores of Rochester and Niagara Falls.

WNY Manufacturing and Tech Workforce Coalition

WNY Manufacturing and Tech Workforce Coalition

The WNY Manufacturing and Tech Workforce Coalition’s mission is to meet employer demand by growing the skills of the region’s workforce.

One Region Forward for Climate Action

One Region Forward for Climate Action

One Region for Climate Action (1RF CA) is a regional planning initiative focused on identifying actionable steps Buffalo Niagara (Erie and Niagara counties) can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate Smart Communities

Climate Smart Communities

UBRI is part of a statewide technical assistance network helping the NYSDEC implement the Climate Smart Communities program by offering hands-on technical assistance to local communities.

Clean Energy Communities

Clean Energy Communities

UBRI is part of a statewide technical assistance network helping NYSERDA implement the Clean Energy Communities program by offering hands-on technical assistance to local communities.

East Side Avenues

East Side Avenues

A unique public/private partnership that provides capital and organizational support to transformational projects along four East Side commercial corridors.

WNY Regional Economic Development Council

WNY Regional Economic Development Council

Strategic economic development planning and implementation to restructure Western NY’s economy and guide state funding decisions, including Buffalo Billion investment initiatives

One Region Forward

One Region Forward

Towards a more sustainable Buffalo Niagara

Goodwill Workforce Strategy

Goodwill Workforce Strategy

Applying research and planning to a workforce development strategy that matches employer needs with training for underserved adults during a global pandemic.

UBRI Impact Report

UBRI Impact Report

Our impact report describes the pivotal role our work plays in regional economic development.

Tech Workforce

Tech Workforce

In partnership with TechBuffalo, UBRI builds a set of research-driven strategies for strengthening Buffalo Niagara’s tech workforce.

Imagine LaSalle

Imagine LaSalle

A community driven effort to transform LaSalle Park into the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park.

Niagara County Hazard Mitigation Plan

Niagara County Hazard Mitigation Plan

UBRI partnered with the School to develop an interactive Hazard Mitigation Plan for the Niagara County Dept. of Emergency Services. An interactive draft plan is now available on the Mitigate NY platform at niagara.mitigateny.org

Rail~Volution 2020

Rail~Volution 2020

Convening local stakeholders to collaborate and generate ideas for collective action to reach a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable regional transportation system

Rain Check

Rain Check

Partnering with Buffalo Sewer, Arcadis, EvolveEA, and PUSH Buffalo, UBRI provided planning support and tools for Rain Check—the City of Buffalo’s green infrastructure program.

Niagara Street Now

Niagara Street Now

Under the direction of Watts Architecture and Engineering, UBRI is overseeing an engagement process to ground the re-design of Niagara Street in community values and priorities.

Fredonia: The Economic Impacts of a University

Fredonia: The Economic Impacts of a University

An economic impact study sheds light on Fredonia's contributions to the local, regional and state economy.

Flood Smart Communities Research Support

Flood Smart Communities Research Support

Research support to create “flood smart communities,” or places that are resilient to flooding across New York State.

South Buffalo & Riverbend Area Infrastructure Needs Assessment

South Buffalo & Riverbend Area Infrastructure Needs Assessment

Thinking strategically about building infrastructure to support the redevelopment of Buffalo’s former industrial land.

Buffalo Promise Neighborhood Research Support

Buffalo Promise Neighborhood Research Support

Needs Assessment Study and Crime & Safety Reports to the community

Connections Beyond Campus

Connections Beyond Campus

An evaluation of the NFTA-UB Pilot Transit Pass Program

Technical Assistance for Communities

Technical Assistance for Communities

Assisting communities with planning tools to develop strategies and identify projects that will transform their communities.

Upstate NY Revitalization Initiative

Upstate NY Revitalization Initiative

Decision-making Tools and Guidance in Support of the Upstate Revitalization Initiative

Adapting Buildings for a Changing Climate

Adapting Buildings for a Changing Climate

Understanding the impact and role of buildings in adapting to climate change

Research and Engagement Support for WNY Sustainability Plan

Research and Engagement Support for WNY Sustainability Plan

Part of a broader commitment of UBRI to promote sustainable action in WNY

Local IMPACT: Strategies to Promote Mobility

Local IMPACT: Strategies to Promote Mobility

Strengths, barriers and opportunities to improve mobility through planning and policy

The Racial Equity Dividend: Buffalo’s Great Opportunity

The Racial Equity Dividend: Buffalo’s Great Opportunity

In partnership with Make Communities, UBRI developed a foundational research study for the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable.

Tonawanda Tomorrow

Tonawanda Tomorrow

Planning for Tonawanda's economic future

Albright-Knox Art Gallery Impact Study

Albright-Knox Art Gallery Impact Study

A comprehensive assessment of the Albright-Knox’s baseline and projected economic impacts

UB Business and Entrepreneurship Partnerships Impact Study

UB Business and Entrepreneurship Partnerships Impact Study

WIN.WIN.WIN report explores the power of partnerships between UB and industry

Building Together

Building Together

Planning and community engagement support to help inform ECMC on the future of the former Kensington Heights site in the City of Buffalo.

Clean Energy Workforce Assessment for WNY

Clean Energy Workforce Assessment for WNY

Research to help local colleges and trainers meet the needs of WNY’s clean energy sector

Labor Market Assessment 2017

Labor Market Assessment 2017

Analyzing our labor force’s capacity to drive a 21st century economy

Moving Forward 2050

Moving Forward 2050

A forward-looking regional transportation plan for Buffalo Niagara

Numbers in Need

Numbers in Need

An online resource to inform the region about poverty and economic vulnerability.

The Riverline Equitable Development Framework

The Riverline Equitable Development Framework

Leveraging a reimagined urban greenway to bring communities together and promote equity.

Buffalo Billion

Buffalo Billion

Home-grown initiatives with clear, attainable goals and smart implementation plans are resulting in the biggest impacts for the region.

Informing Electric Micromobility Policy

Informing Electric Micromobility Policy

Research and policy guidance on how electric micromobility can enhance transportation networks in New York State.

Distanced Engagement

Distanced Engagement

Providing guidance on how the COVID-19 crisis shifts our approach to community engagement and our thinking as planners.