Buffalo City Fleet Manager Fired by Ryan Administration

Termination of James Cross comes amid scrutiny over city vehicle maintenance and procurement practices.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:39pm

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A photorealistic painting of a lone city fleet vehicle parked on a shadowy urban street, capturing a sense of solitude and the importance of well-maintained public infrastructure.The termination of Buffalo's fleet manager raises concerns about the city's ability to maintain its essential municipal vehicles.Buffalo Today

The administration of Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan has fired the city's fleet manager, James Cross, who had held the position since 2023 and was rehired by the mayor at the start of this year. The termination comes amid growing concerns over the city's vehicle maintenance and procurement practices.

Why it matters

The city fleet manager plays a crucial role in overseeing the maintenance and procurement of municipal vehicles, which are essential for providing public services. Cross's firing raises questions about the Ryan administration's priorities and management of the city's transportation infrastructure.

The details

According to an administration source, James Cross was terminated from his position as Buffalo's fleet manager. Cross had held the role since 2023 and was rehired by Mayor Sean Ryan at the beginning of 2026. The reasons behind Cross's dismissal were not officially disclosed, but it comes as the city faces scrutiny over its vehicle maintenance and procurement practices.

  • James Cross was hired as Buffalo's fleet manager in 2023.
  • Cross was rehired by Mayor Sean Ryan at the start of 2026.
  • Cross was terminated from his position in March 2026.

The players

James Cross

The former fleet manager for the city of Buffalo, who was hired in 2023 and rehired by Mayor Sean Ryan at the start of 2026 before being terminated from the position.

Sean Ryan

The current mayor of Buffalo, who rehired James Cross as fleet manager at the beginning of 2026 before later terminating him from the position.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure our city's fleet is well-maintained and efficiently managed to provide the services our residents depend on.”

— Sean Ryan, Mayor of Buffalo

What’s next

The mayor's office has not indicated whether a search for a new fleet manager will begin immediately or if an interim replacement will be appointed.

The takeaway

The firing of the city's fleet manager raises concerns about the Ryan administration's oversight of the municipal vehicle fleet and its commitment to maintaining critical public infrastructure.