NYS Comptroller Agrees to Review Buffalo's Finances Before Budget Deadline

Independent analysis aims to provide clear picture of city's fiscal challenges ahead of crucial budget votes.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:04pm

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A photorealistic painting of a government building in downtown Buffalo, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the facade and surrounding streets, conveying a sense of civic contemplation and financial uncertainty.The independent review of Buffalo's finances aims to shed light on the city's budget challenges and guide responsible decision-making.Buffalo Today

New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has agreed to independently review the City of Buffalo's budget deficit, fulfilling a campaign promise made by Mayor Sean Ryan. The state's review comes as the city faces an April 15 deadline to submit its 2026-2027 budget, which the Buffalo Common Council must review and suggest changes to by May 26.

Why it matters

Buffalo has been grappling with significant budget deficits, and the independent state review is seen as crucial to providing a clear, unbiased assessment of the city's finances before the council has to vote on the upcoming budget. This analysis will impact how much taxes city residents may be asked to pay starting July 1.

The details

DiNapoli has asked the city to provide financial documents as soon as possible, including the upcoming 2026-2027 budget. The state comptroller is working against the clock, as the first of the city's budget deadlines is just eight days away. Council members have pushed for the state review, arguing it is necessary to get an accurate picture of the budget gap and how to address it.

  • On April 7, 2026, Comptroller DiNapoli agreed to the independent review.
  • The city must submit its 2026-2027 budget by April 15, 2026.
  • The Buffalo Common Council must review and suggest changes to the budget by May 26, 2026.

The players

Thomas DiNapoli

The New York State Comptroller who agreed to independently review the City of Buffalo's budget deficit.

Sean Ryan

The Mayor of Buffalo who campaigned on a promise to request a state audit of the city's finances.

Zeneta Everhart

The Masten District representative on the Buffalo Common Council who pushed for the state review.

Mitch Nowakowski

The Chair of the Buffalo Common Council's Finance Committee.

Leah Halton-Pope

The Majority Leader of the Buffalo Common Council.

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What they’re saying

“This is about having the information we need to properly deal with this year's budget.”

— Zeneta Everhart, Masten District representative, Buffalo Common Council

“I believe that they are really focused on this and we may get something while we are deliberating the budget this year.”

— Mitch Nowakowski, Finance Committee Chair, Buffalo Common Council

“It's about getting a bottom line and just having somebody from the outside have a look at our finances and just tell us where we stand.”

— Leah Halton-Pope, Majority Leader, Buffalo Common Council

What’s next

The state comptroller has requested to meet city officials soon to start the review process. The analysis is expected to be completed before the Buffalo Common Council has to vote on the 2026-2027 budget on May 26.

The takeaway

This independent state review of Buffalo's finances is a crucial step in providing clarity on the city's budget challenges before the council has to make critical decisions on taxes and spending. The analysis will help inform responsible, data-driven decisions to address the city's structural deficits.