“Inflation and housing affordability impact every corner of our nation, and we are not immune to it here in western New York. We can only have a strong county if the cost of good, safe housing is affordable to all.” – Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz
In his 2023 State of the County Address, County Executive Mark Poloncarz announced that Erie County would invest $20 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to build quality, affordable housing throughout our community.
Erie County’s $20 million Affordable Housing Initiative includes the construction of new, single-family homes as well as the development of multi-family housing projects through new builds and adaptive re-use of existing structures.
A breakdown of Erie County’s Affordable Housing Initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan is as follows:
1. Single Family Housing: $13.5 million
- Erie County has partnered with the region’s land bank, the Buffalo Erie Niagara Land Improvement Corporation (BENLIC), and local municipalities including the City of Buffalo and the Town of Cheektowaga, to build single family homes on vacant lots in existing neighborhoods (infill housing). Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2024 and conclude by the end of December 2026.
2. Multi-Family Housing: $5.5 million
- Erie County issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) in August 2023 inviting developers to submit applications for funding multi-family affordable housing projects. In spring 2024, $500,000 was awarded to 11 projects with locations spanning Erie County for the construction of 703 affordable units. Projects are a mixture of new builds and adaptive re-use of existing structures. Construction timelines vary but all project construction must be complete by December 31, 2026.
3. Multi- Family Housing – New and Emerging Developers: $1 million
- Erie County issued an RFP in May 2024 inviting new and emerging developers to submit applications for funding multi-family affordable housing projects. Developers new to the affordable housing sector were prioritized in this RFP to expand and diversify the affordable housing sector and affordable housing options in Erie County. Five (5) new and emerging firms were awarded ARPA funds in various amounts for the construction of 48 affordable units. Construction timelines vary but all project construction must be complete by December 31, 2026.
All affordable units will benefit households with incomes at or below 80% AMI (Area Median Income), as per federal requirements.