Establishments

The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority was established on April 3, 1934, pursuant to a resolution of the Common Council of the City of Buffalo. The Authority's creation and establishment was subsequently confirmed by an Act of the New York State Legislature. The first Board of Commissioners consisted of five Members who were appointed by Buffalo Mayor Zimmerman on October 19, 1934.

Since its establishment, the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority has been recognized as a public corporation with its own independent status.

Present Day

At the present time, control and management of the Authority is fixed in a Board of seven Members, five of whom are appointed by the Mayor and two of whom are elected at-large from the tenant population. A Chairman and Vice-Chairman are elected from among the Members each year. During the past 50 years, the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority has consisted of members of local citizens from the ranks of business, banking, clergy, labor, the professions and civic groups.

The Authority is responsible for the construction, rehabilitation and modernization of all low-income public housing within the City of Buffalo.

In addition, it has the continuous responsibility for the management and operation of all such units.

Development

During the past 66 years (since its inception), 29 developments have been constructed with the City of Buffalo by the Housing Authority through the assistance of Federal and State programs. Additionally, during World War II, the Authority assisted in the construction of units used as War Housing outside of the City.

The Developments originally constructed and located within the City contained a total of 7813 apartment units, of which 2550 were under State jurisdiction and 5263 under Federal jurisdiction. The apartment sizes continue to range from efficiency apartments to six bedroom units.

The new millennium brings a streamlined BMHA into focus that attracts working families into productive work and study programs. A New Housing Choice Voucher Program provides additional opportunities.

Future

The function of the Authority was then, and continues to be, that of providing low-rent housing for person of low-income who cannot afford standard housing in the private market. The challenge and the opportunity of providing decent, safe and low-rent housing continues to be our principal objective as we enter our 66th year of service.