Mayor Scanlon Announces New Partnership to Improve City Curbside Management & Public Safety

Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon today announced a new partnership between the City of Buffalo and Umojo to advance the Smart Curb Buffalo program - a groundbreaking initiative designed to modernize real-time curb management, enhance public safety, improve parking efficiency, and strengthen coordination among emergency services.

Funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation's SMART Grant, Smart Curb Buffalo introduces dynamic curb technology, including digital signage, e-paper displays, and real-time data sensors, to communicate parking regulations, emergency alerts, and event closures directly to the public. The initiative will also help emergency services better navigate traffic conditions during critical incidents and snow events while improving access and efficiency for residents, visitors, and local businesses.

"These new technologies bring the future of smart city innovation right to our curbs," said Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon. "Smart Curb Buffalo is designed to improve public safety, strengthen emergency notifications, reduce congestion, and provide residents and visitors with real-time information about parking and street operations - all while helping our first responders reach those in need more quickly. This is a prime example of how innovation can bring Buffalo into a new era of responsiveness, communication, and service to its residents."

The program will use Umojo's advanced technology to deliver immediate notifications of parking regulations or policy alerts during emergencies, snow removal, or street repairs. It will also display real-time parking availability at nearby alternative locations, helping drivers make informed decisions and reducing congestion in high-demand areas.

"We're proud to partner with the City of Buffalo to help bring the Smart Curb Buffalo vision to life," said Rick Neubauer, Founder & CEO of Umojo. "This initiative represents the next generation of curb management - one that blends real-time data, adaptive technology, and public safety priorities into a unified, intelligent system. By combining innovation with community impact, Buffalo is setting a new benchmark for how cities can use smart infrastructure to improve safety, efficiency, and the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike."

The partnership will oversee the phased installation and testing of this new infrastructure in three pilot areas - the Buffalo Niagara Medical Corridor, Chippewa Entertainment District, and Canalside - each chosen for its high-traffic volume, mixed-use development, and importance to the city's mobility network. The Medical Corridor zone spans roughly ten city blocks encompassing multiple hospitals and medical facilities; Chippewa serves as a hotel and entertainment district in downtown Buffalo; and Canalside, one of Buffalo's premier public destinations, hosts year-round events and includes the BMHA Marine Drive Apartments, the Children's Museum, and a fully solar-powered carousel.

City of Buffalo Parking Commissioner Ray Wagner said, "This project goes beyond technology- it's about giving residents and visitors the information they need, when they need it, while making city operations more efficient and Buffalo safer for all."

City of Buffalo Emergency Manager Thomas Luby said, "While some cities use digital kiosks to share alerts, Buffalo's Smart Curb pilot is one of the first in the nation to fully integrate emergency management communications directly into our streetscape. Through this technology, residents, workers, and visitors can instantly access real-time safety updates, street closures, public health advisories, and major event information from trusted city sources - even if they're not signed up for BuffAlerts. The Smart Curb initiative turns everyday infrastructure into a public safety lifeline, expanding our city's preparedness network and helping keep our community safe, informed, and resilient."

City of Buffalo Police Commissioner Alphonso Wright said, "Smart Curb Buffalo gives our officers another important tool to keep the public informed and safe. Real-time digital alerts and traffic updates will help improve response times, ease congestion during major events, and ensure that our emergency teams can reach those in need as quickly as possible. This technology strengthens the connection between public safety and communication, which is essential to serving our residents."

City of Buffalo Fire Commissioner William Renaldo said, "This innovative initiative will enhance our ability to respond quickly to any incident while ensuring citizens are provided real time information concerning potentially hazardous conditions, along with detailed instructions on specific areas to avoid ensuring freedom of movement for First Responders, and the safety and security of our citizens".

City of Buffalo Department of Public Works Commissioner Nolan Skipper said, "Our department is proud to be part of this effort to modernize the city's infrastructure and improve the way we manage our streets. Smart Curb Buffalo integrates data and technology into the everyday operations of public works - helping us respond faster to any weather-related emergencies, plan more efficiently for maintenance, and deliver a cleaner, safer, and more reliable streetscape for all who live, work, and visit Buffalo."

City of Buffalo Management Information Systems (MIS) Commissioner Daryl Springer said, "This initiative is an important step forward in building a smarter, more connected city. By combining technology, data integration, and interdepartmental coordination, Smart Curb Buffalo enhances how we communicate with the public in real time. It's a perfect example of how innovation can make government more responsive and transparent for residents."

Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Strategic Planning Nadine Marrero said, "Smart Curb Buffalo reflects how strategic planning and innovation come together to strengthen city operations and improve quality of life. By piloting this program in three of Buffalo's most dynamic districts, we're gathering data and feedback that will inform future transportation, public space, and resiliency planning citywide. It's about using innovation to make long-term, people-centered improvements."

Jamie Hamann-Burney, Chief Strategy Officer, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus said, "BNMC is proud to partner with the City of Buffalo on this important initiative. The Medical Campus is a dynamic district with unique transportation and safety needs, and the Smart Curb Buffalo pilot will help pave the way for safer, more flexible, accessible, and better-connected streets - on campus and throughout the city."

The Smart Curb Buffalo pilot will be deployed in phases beginning in late 2025, with sensor installation planned for the fourth quarter of 2025, followed by digital LCD screen installations in early 2026 and eInk signage deployment through spring 2026. The city will continuously evaluate the collected data to assess parking patterns, occupancy trends, and emergency coordination, helping inform future policy decisions.

To minimize disruptions, installation and maintenance activities will occur during low-traffic periods, with minimal to no lane closures anticipated. The pilot will not introduce any new parking regulations; all existing rules will remain in effect.

Public participation and education is an important part of the Smart Curb Buffalo rollout. Residents, business owners, and community stakeholders are encouraged to attend upcoming meetings to learn more about the project:

Monday, October 20, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.

City of Buffalo Planning Board Meeting

OSP Conference Room, 921 City Hall, Buffalo, NY 14202

Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

Community Development Committee Meeting

Council Chambers, 13th Floor, City Hall, Buffalo, NY 14202

Community ambassadors, local businesses, and transportation partners will continue to receive updates through BuffAlert messages and the project's public engagement website, smartcurb.buffalony.gov, which includes maps, FAQs, and a feedback portal.

During his State of the City Address in March 2025, Mayor Scanlon announced the creation of two new offices - the Office of Innovation and the Office of Emergency Management and Resiliency - both focused on developing forward-thinking solutions that improve government efficiency, resident engagement, and citywide preparedness. Smart Curb Buffalo represents one of the first major initiatives to emerge from this collaborative framework with citywide departments, highlighting Mayor Scanlon's commitment to innovation, technology, and data-driven public service.