Action Plan: Image

Purpose

It has traditionally been said that Downtown Buffalo has an image problem. While this may have been true in the past, it is less clear now whether the problem is with Downtown itself or the region as a whole. What is clear is that regardless of where the problem lies, there is a need to address it.

Context

As the Western New York region gains a better understanding of its interdependence, it also gains a better sense of the need for cooperation. At a macro level, this has been expressed through the creation of the Buffalo Niagara Enterprise. Initially charged with the mission of marketing the region, the BNE is now re-tooling to focus on improving the product it has been asked to market.

In Downtown Buffalo, the success of events such as Thursday at the Square, Taste of Buffalo, Curtain-Up! and Gus Macker has done well to enhance the image of Downtown. However, events alone may not be enough. For every positive letter to the editor about Downtown, there are two negative. For every positive article or news story, there are five negative ones. A perception of crime, the high cost of parking, and a lack of first floor activity are among the impediments to the growth of Downtown and the region. Many people say nothing gets done in Buffalo because large projects that are announced with great flair are then delayed or cancelled.

Regardless of the strides that have been made there is still a great deal of work to be done internally. To do this, organizations and the media need to work together to celebrate success.

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