and civic groups to ensure that Buffalo’s census count is accurate and reflects the entire population of

The announcement of the City’s Age Friendly Designation by the AARP and World Health Organization, as well as the formation of an Age Friendly Blue Ribbon Commission to make recommendations to the Mayor on additional steps that can be taken to improve the quality of life for aging residents.

Near the conclusion of Mayor Brown’s speech, he recognized three individuals for their exemplary service to the City of Buffalo and its residents. First, the Mayor recognized retiring Commissioner Martin Kennedy who served in City government for the last 30 years. Commissioner Kennedy was a veteran, dedicated public servant, father of five children and grandfather to thirteen.

Mayor Brown also recognized retiring Commissioner Steve Stepniak for his 32 years of public service. Commissioner Stepniak was a dedicated worker who believed in leading from the front during any storm or other emergency.

Mayor Brown awarded a Key to the City to Frank B. Mesiah, the former president of the Buffalo Chapter of the NAACP who passed away last year at the age of 89. The key was accepted on his behalf by his daughter, Francesca Mesiah. She said of her father, “He would recognize the accomplishments, but he always said, ‘we’ve come a long way but there’s an awful lot of work still to be done.’”

Conclusion

Mayor Brown concluded by calling on residents and leaders to work together, demonstrate our City’s resolve in the face of adversity and stand ready to seize the opportunities the coming year will bring.

Mayor Brown’s State of the City Address luncheon is a benefit for Mayor Brown’s Fund to Advance Buffalo, a not-for-profit organization founded in 2006 to improve the quality of life for children and families in the City of Buffalo.