The Riverline is a nature trail and greenway being developed on a former elevated rail corridor near downtown Buffalo and the Buffalo River. The Western New York Land Conservancy is following a community created vision to transform The Riverline into a vibrant and engaging nature trail for everyone to enjoy.

In partnership with community members and local organizations, UBRI worked with The Land Conservancy and Make Communities to create an Equitable Development Framework for The Riverline. The framework is a product of a multi-year community engagement effort led by The Land Conservancy and Make Communities, and research on neighborhood conditions and best practices for equitable development of city based trails and greenways by UBRI.

The framework offers a comprehensive list of possible actions to help address community concerns around six focus areas: Community Building, Housing, Arts & Culture, Nature Access & Wellness, Governance, and Economic Access & Opportunity. The framework focuses on the three historic neighborhoods crossed by The Riverline—the Old First Ward, Perry, and the Valley.

The Equitable Development Framework is a start, meant to evolve as the project unfolds and the nature of challenges and opportunities shift. The approach outlined by the framework can help ensure that all residents, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, age, or ability, can benefit from investments in The Riverline and nearby neighborhoods.

Visit TheRiverline.com to learn more about the project.