Our Structure
To serve Buffalo’s unique needs as a small but thriving community, Buffalo Horizons operates with a streamlined, collaborative structure focused on efficiency, adaptability, and measurable impact.
Core Leadership Team
The organization is led by a dynamic 5-7 member board consisting of individuals committed to Buffalo’s growth. These leaders are carefully selected to represent a mix of experience, innovation, and community passion.
Each board member serves as a champion for one of our 3 Focus Areas, ensuring clear leadership while allowing for teamwork across all initiatives:
1. Business & Economic Development
Purpose: Support local businesses, attract new ideas, and encourage entrepreneurial growth.
Lead Role: A business-minded board member or local entrepreneur.
Key Responsibilities:
Assist existing small businesses by providing tools, resources, and collaborative opportunities (e.g., workshops, funding guidance).
Develop initiatives to attract and retain new businesses.
Revisit past projects for revitalization potential, ensuring no idea goes to waste.
Host periodic “Buffalo Business Roundtables” to gather feedback and foster collaboration.
Goal: A stronger local economy where small businesses are the foundation of Buffalo’s growth.
2. Youth, Family & Workforce Engagement
Purpose: Empower Buffalo’s youth and families by creating pathways for success and opportunities to stay, grow, and thrive in their hometown.
Lead Role: An education advocate, workforce leader, or family-oriented community member.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop programs like Youth Apprenticeship Days to connect students with local businesses for skill-building, internships, and mentoring.
Organize family-focused community events to foster connection and pride.
Collaborate with schools to create career-ready programs for students and young adults.
Encourage initiatives to improve quality-of-life opportunities for families and working professionals.
Goal: A thriving community where families and young people see Buffalo as a place to build their future.
3. Community & Infrastructure Development
Purpose: Advocate for infrastructure improvements and promote Buffalo as a destination for tourism and growth.
Lead Role: A community organizer, local official, or infrastructure advocate.
Key Responsibilities:
Work with city, county, and state officials to identify priorities for infrastructure (e.g., broadband expansion, transportation, parks, and community spaces).
Launch tourism campaigns to highlight Buffalo’s natural beauty, historic charm, and unique local businesses.
Facilitate projects that enhance Buffalo’s community appeal, such as revitalizing public spaces and underused assets.
Engage local organizations and stakeholders to align efforts for maximum impact.
Goal: A community with the infrastructure, charm, and energy to support both residents and visitors.
Supporting Roles
In addition to the core leadership team, volunteers and part-time coordinators will play a vital role in implementing programs, hosting events, and driving day-to-day operations.
Outreach Volunteers: Assist with community engagement, listening sessions, and event coordination.
Program Coordinators: Help execute specific initiatives like youth programs, family events, and business workshops.
Grant & Fundraising Support: Identify opportunities for funding and sponsorship to sustain Buffalo Horizons’ initiatives.
Collaboration Across Focus Areas
While each focus area has a designated lead, Buffalo Horizons thrives on collaboration and teamwork. Leaders work together to ensure initiatives align, resources are shared, and progress is measurable.
For example:
A tourism campaign (Community Focus) can highlight local businesses (Business Focus) and include youth involvement for hands-on experience (Youth Focus).
Revitalized infrastructure (Community Focus) can create better opportunities for local entrepreneurs and attract new families.
Why This Structure Works for Buffalo
Scalable & Flexible: Designed for a small community with room to grow as initiatives succeed.
Accountable Leadership: Focus areas ensure clarity while empowering board members to make a difference.
Collaborative Effort: Encourages teamwork and resource-sharing across all programs.
Community-Driven: Keeps the focus on measurable outcomes that directly impact Buffalo’s residents, families, and businesses.