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Buffalo meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Plain-English weekly recaps written from official meeting records. 7 weeks available.

Weeks

Week of 2026-08-24

Buffalo council weighs 7.5% tax levy increase; recovery home, retreat ordinances proposed

Buffalo city officials this week discussed a proposed 7.5% increase in the 2027 property tax levy, the most consequential item on recent agendas. No final decisions have been published; all meetings listed were agenda-only, with minutes not yet released.

City Council

The council held a workshop on Aug. 18 to review the 2027 preliminary tax levy and General Fund budget. The proposed levy is $13,828,695, a 7.5% increase over 2026. According to the agenda, the increase would raise taxes on a median-priced home (estimated at $355,178) by about $40.54 per year. The increase is driven by three new city positions (~$102,000), a health insurance increase (~$158,000), new debt payments for 2025B and 2026A Street Reconstruction Bonds, and a Civic Center levy increase to address a deficit fund balance. The council is scheduled to adopt the preliminary levy on Sept. 8.

At its regular meeting on Aug. 17, the council considered three ordinance amendments: Ordinance 2026-9 (Recovery Residence Amendment), Ordinance 2026-10 (Recovery Residence Licensing Amendment), and Ordinance 2026-11 (Retreat Facilities Amendment). The consent agenda included approval of claims totaling $4,159,862.40, a variance at 1731 Kestrel Circle, and site grading for the future Community Center Park. The council also considered Resolution 2026-27, which would have the Buffalo Fire Relief Association join the Statewide Volunteer Defined Benefit Plan.

Planning Commission

On Aug. 10, the Planning Commission held public hearings on a rear-yard setback variance for a new home at 1731 Kestrel Cir (R-2 district, Pulaski Shores) and a preliminary plat for 28 multi-family units on Lake Blvd NW (R-6 district). The board also discussed a formal appeal regarding the sign ordinance and considered amendments to the recovery home ordinance (Ordinance 2026-9) and craft retreat ordinance (Ordinance 2026-11).

Heritage Preservation Advisory Board

The board met Aug. 10 to consider a Century Homes Program application for 401 Division Street E, which staff verified as at least 100 years old. It also received an update on the Buffalo Butterfly Garden at 2nd Street NE and 2nd Avenue S, including ongoing site issues and future plans. Council review updates covered TIF District #27, community center demolition, and downtown road construction.

Airport Board

The Airport Advisory Board met Aug. 11 to discuss the snow removal equipment building, the capital improvement plan, master plan/ALP update, navigational aids replacement (PAPI's & REIL's), and Commercial Hangar Lot #36.

Buffalo Municipal Utilities Commission

On Aug. 17, the Utilities Commission reviewed second-quarter 2026 finances. The Electric Fund reported revenues at 31% of budget and expenses at 43%; $4.1 million in bond proceeds were budgeted but none taken out. The Water Fund reported revenues at 50% of budget, with $2.18 million of $2.66 million in bond proceeds used for the NE Area Reconstruction project. The Water Reclamation Fund had a $573,627 MPCA grant budgeted but not yet received, and $2.32 million of $3.09 million in bond proceeds used. The commission also noted the Substation No. 2 groundbreaking set for Aug. 24 and the ongoing AMI meter conversion (51 electric and 134 water meter swaps in Q2).

Housing & Redevelopment Authority

The HRA held two special meetings on Aug. 18. One was procedural with no specific items listed. The other considered a preliminary 2027 HRA levy of $446,533 and budget of $571,319, plus a discussion of funding for downtown public restrooms, with a potential cost over $250,000 and a proposal to redirect $256,486 from other programs. The board also approved claims totaling $125,148.70 and the July 14 meeting minutes.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days. The City Council is scheduled to adopt the preliminary 2027 tax levy on Sept. 8.

Week of 2026-08-17

Buffalo council to discuss 7.5% levy increase for 2027

Buffalo city officials will discuss a proposed 7.5% increase to the 2027 property tax levy at a workshop Aug. 18. The proposed levy of $13,828,695 would raise taxes on a median-priced home by about $40.54 per year. No final decisions were made at city meetings in the past two weeks; all recent meetings were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published.

Budget and levy

The Aug. 18 workshop follows an Aug. 3 council workshop that reviewed a draft 10-year Capital Improvement Plan and Financial Management Plan. The plan includes a $13 million police department addition and renovation, a $5.95 million airport runway and taxiway rehabilitation, a $20 million civic center addition (dependent on sales tax), a $3.5 million library addition and remodel, and $4 million for fire engine replacements.

The proposed 2027 levy increase is driven by three new city positions (about $102,000), a health insurance increase (about $158,000), new debt payments for 2025B and 2026A Street Reconstruction Bonds, and a civic center levy increase to address a deficit fund balance. The council will provide direction to staff before adopting the preliminary levy on Sept. 8.

Other council business

At its Aug. 17 meeting, the council will consider three ordinance amendments related to recovery residences and retreat facilities (Ordinances 2026-9, 2026-10, and 2026-11). It will also vote on a resolution for the Buffalo Fire Relief Association to join a statewide volunteer defined benefit pension plan (Resolution 2026-27) and approve a claims listing totaling $4,159,862.40. The consent agenda includes a variance at 1731 Kestrel Circle and site grading for the future Community Center Park.

Boards and commissions

The Community Center Advisory Board met Aug. 3 to consider its 2027 budget and fee waiver applications for Side By Side, Rotary of Buffalo, Girl Scouts, Buffalo Strong, and Buffalo YOUth Rising. It also received an update on splash pad construction for a 2027 grand opening and a manager's report noting 1,600+ visitors and 190 Trailblazer rides in the past month.

The Heritage Preservation Advisory Board met Aug. 10 to review a Century Homes Program application for 401 Division Street E, which staff verified as at least 100 years old. The board also received an update on the Buffalo Butterfly Garden at 2nd Street NE and 2nd Avenue S, including ongoing site issues and future plans.

The Planning Commission met Aug. 10 to hold public hearings on a rear-yard setback variance for a new home at 1731 Kestrel Cir and a preliminary plat for 28 multi-family units on Lake Blvd NW. It also discussed a formal appeal regarding the sign ordinance and considered amendments to the recovery home and craft retreat ordinances.

The Airport Advisory Board met Aug. 11 to discuss the snow removal equipment building, the capital improvement plan, master plan updates, navigational aids replacement, and commercial hangar lot #36.

Coming up

All meetings are open to the public.

Week of 2026-08-10

Buffalo council opens 2027 budget talks with $121M capital plan

The Buffalo City Council held its first 2027 budget workshop on Aug. 3, reviewing a draft 10-year capital improvement plan totaling $121 million. No votes were taken; the session was for guidance on funding priorities for major projects including a $13 million police department addition and a $20 million civic center expansion. All recent meetings were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published, so no final decisions have been made.

Budget and capital planning

The council workshop (also listed as a special meeting) covered a draft 10-year Capital Improvement Plan and Financial Management Plan. Staff sought direction on levy and debt strategies for governmental activities, excluding utility and enterprise funds. Major proposed projects include:

Parks and trails

The Parks Advisory Board met July 27 to review a draft 2027-2036 Capital Improvement Plan totaling $12.15 million for parks and trails. The plan includes $3.1 million for playground equipment replacement over ten years, with $250,000 in 2027, and $1.825 million for trail replacement. Other listed projects: $1.04 million for TH 25 North Trail in 2029, $350,000 for new skate park equipment, $600,000 for eight pickleball courts, and $400,000 for a Sturges Park multipurpose building. The board also discussed a dedication for Cheney Development Park and a playground replacement plan.

Community Center Board

The Buffalo Area Community Center Advisory Board met Aug. 3 to consider the 2027 budget draft and fee waiver applications for Side By Side, Rotary of Buffalo, Girl Scouts, Buffalo Strong, and Buffalo YOUth Rising. The board received a splash pad construction update for a 2027 grand opening and a manager's report noting 1,600+ visitors and 190 Trailblazer rides in the past month.

Heritage and other council business

Also on Aug. 3, the City Council discussed a City Register of Heritage Places Application for the 4th Avenue NW District. Consent items on the agenda included Resolution 2026-26 (Huikkos Final Plat), a claims listing totaling $2,554,887.56, a massage license for Nathan Eby, and a Lower-Potency Hemp Edibles Retailer Registration. No votes were reported.

Coming up

Week of 2026-08-03

Buffalo government roundup: Body cameras, Youth Council, and a $12.15M parks plan on the table

City Council: Police body cameras, Youth Council, drainage easement

The Buffalo City Council met July 20, though minutes have not yet been published, so final outcomes are not confirmed. According to the agenda, council members were set to approve July 6 meeting minutes, adopt consent agenda items, and act on several resolutions.

The agenda included a public hearing and Resolution 2026-21 to vacate a drainage easement at 2401 Goldfinch Lane. Council members were also scheduled to adopt Resolution 2026-23, establishing a 12-member Buffalo Youth Council for students in grades 9–12.

A planned purchase of a Motorola body-worn camera system for the police department was listed at $53,000 upfront, with $33,700 per year from 2027 through 2030. The council was also set to consider a temporary on-sale liquor license for Hayes' Public House on August 8, 2026.

Because minutes are not yet available, vote tallies and final decisions cannot be confirmed. Readers should consult the official City Council record for outcomes.

Buffalo Municipal Utilities Commission: Substation engineering, $2M in claims

The Buffalo Municipal Utilities Commission met July 20, with minutes also unpublished. The agenda listed engineering services for Substation No. 2 construction, a claims listing totaling $2,009,542.49, and personnel matters including a Human Resources Director position classification and pay grade adjustment.

The commission was also scheduled to review a Boulevard Tree Removal and Replacement Policy, a copier rental extension, and hold a closed session regarding the potential sale of PID 103070000241, XX Lake Blvd NW.

Parks Board: $12.15M capital improvement plan under review

The Parks Advisory Board met July 27 to review a draft 2027–2036 Capital Improvement Plan totaling $12.15 million for parks and trails. The agenda listed playground equipment replacement at $3.1 million over ten years, including $250,000 in 2027, and trail replacement at $1.825 million over ten years, with the TH 25 North Trail projected at $1.04 million in 2029.

Other listed projects include $350,000 for new Skate Park equipment, $600,000 for eight pickleball courts, and $400,000 for a Sturges Park multipurpose building. A dedication for Cheney Development Park was also on the agenda. Minutes are not yet published, so board actions are not confirmed.

Coming up

Several meetings are scheduled for August 3, 2026:

All recent meeting summaries are based on agendas only; official minutes have not been published. For confirmed outcomes, consult the City of Buffalo's official records.

Week of 2026-07-20

Buffalo HRA establishes TIF District 27 for downtown redevelopment; Council set to vote on police body cameras

The Buffalo Housing & Redevelopment Authority board adopted a resolution establishing Tax Increment Financing District No. 27 to help fund the redevelopment of 111 Division St E, a project valued at $2.8 million with a $142,000 financing gap.

HRA: TIF District 27 and microloan approved

The HRA board adopted Resolution No. 2026-2, establishing TIF District No. 27 for the 111 Division St E redevelopment. The district targets a $142,000 financing gap within an approximately $2.8 million project. The board also approved a $2,500 microloan to Hutch & Home under the 1st Avenue NE Street Reconstruction microloan program.

In other HRA business, an escrow deposit was received for an Environmental Assessment Worksheet and 30% design plans for the former Wright County Government Center redevelopment. A revised traffic study was completed for South Shores on Lake Pulaski, with Phase 1 submission expected within two months. Board member Derek Seifert submitted his resignation, which is to be formally accepted at the next Council meeting.

Heritage Preservation Board: TIF application approved with color condition

The Heritage Preservation Advisory Board approved a Tax Increment Financing application for a new building at 111 Division Street E, with the condition that the street-facing design use a contrasting color from historic palettes. The board also discussed the Century Homes program, including plaque cost monitoring, and received updates on Veterans Park, where irrigation line damage was reported. The Buffalo Historical Society website launch remains pending.

Planning Commission: Wetland variance, recovery residence ordinance on agenda

The Planning Commission held a public hearing on a variance request to build a deck within a wetland buffer at 2305 Bronco Lane. Commissioners also discussed proposed Ordinance 2026-9, which would regulate recovery residences (sober homes) under Chapter 50, along with a draft amendment to the craft retreat ordinance and a mural proposal. Approval of the June 8 Planning Commission minutes was also on the agenda.

City Council: Body cameras, Youth Council, easement vacation on July 6 agenda

The City Council's July 6 meeting included items on police body camera purchase, predatory offender residency restrictions, Resolution 2026-23 establishing the Buffalo Youth Council, vacation of a drainage and utility easement at 2401 Goldfinch Lane, and a CTC Master Services Agreement and Network Operations discussion. Minutes from that meeting have not yet been published.

Municipal Utilities Commission: Orientation workshop held

The Buffalo Municipal Utilities Commission held a workshop meeting on July 9 focused on an MMUA Commission orientation session for commission members. No decisions or public hearings were scheduled.

Coming up

City Council — Monday, July 20: Council will consider approving July 6 minutes, hold a public hearing on Resolution 2026-21 to vacate a drainage easement at 2401 Goldfinch Lane, adopt Resolution 2026-23 establishing a 12-member Buffalo Youth Council for students in grades 9–12, and vote on purchasing a Motorola body-worn camera system for the police department at approximately $53,000 upfront and $33,700 annually for 2027–2030. A temporary on-sale liquor license for Hayes' Public House on August 8, 2026, is also on the agenda.

Buffalo Municipal Utilities Commission — Monday, July 20: The Commission will consider engineering services for Substation No. 2 construction, review a claims listing totaling $2,009,542.49, act on a Human Resources Director position classification and pay grade adjustment, discuss a boulevard tree removal and replacement policy, and hold a closed session regarding the potential sale of PID 103070000241, XX Lake Blvd NW.

Community Center Advisory Board — Monday, August 3: The next scheduled meeting of the Buffalo Area Community Center Advisory Board, following cancellation of the July 6 meeting.

Week of 2026-07-13

HRA establishes TIF District for downtown Buffalo redevelopment; Planning Commission set for wetland variance hearing

The Buffalo Housing & Redevelopment Authority board adopted Resolution No. 2026-2, establishing Tax Increment Financing District No. 27 to support redevelopment at 111 Division St E — a $2.8 million project with a $142,000 financing gap. The board also approved a $2,500 microloan to Hutch & Home under the 1st Avenue NE Street Reconstruction program.

Housing & Redevelopment Authority (July 14)

The HRA board's TIF district for 111 Division St E includes a design-color condition on the street-facing facade. The board also reported receiving an escrow deposit for an Environmental Assessment Worksheet and 30% design plans for the former Wright County Government Center redevelopment. A revised traffic study for South Shores on Lake Pulaski has been completed, with Phase 1 submission expected within two months. Board member Derek Seifert submitted his resignation, which will be formally accepted at the next Council meeting.

Heritage Preservation Advisory Board (July 13)

The Heritage Preservation Advisory Board approved a Tax Increment Financing application for a new building at 111 Division Street E, with the condition that the street-facing design use a contrasting color from historic palettes. The board also discussed the Century Homes program — specifically monitoring plaque costs — and received updates on Veterans Park, where irrigation line damage was reported. The Buffalo Historical Society website launch remains pending.

City Council (July 6)

The City Council agenda included several public safety and administrative items, but minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not confirmed. Items listed for consideration were: purchase of Police Department body cameras, establishing predatory offender residency restrictions, Resolution 2026-23 establishing the Buffalo Youth Council, vacation of a drainage and utility easement at 2401 Goldfinch Ln, and the CTC Master Services Agreement and Network Operations.

Planning Commission (July 13)

The Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing on a variance request to build a deck within a wetland buffer at 2305 Bronco Lane. The commission will also discuss Ordinance 2026-9, which would regulate recovery residences (sober homes) under Chapter 50, along with a draft amendment to the craft retreat ordinance and a mural proposal. Approval of the June 8 Planning Commission minutes is also on the agenda.

Other Meetings

The Buffalo Area Community Center Advisory Board meeting scheduled for July 6 was cancelled. Its next meeting is set for August 3, 2026. The Buffalo Municipal Utilities Commission held a workshop on July 9 focused on an MMUA Commission orientation session. No decisions or public hearings were scheduled for that workshop.

Coming Up

Week of 2026-06-29

Buffalo City Council to weigh police body cameras, predator residency restrictions

No formal decisions were made at city board meetings over the past two weeks, as the only scheduled meeting — the June 22 Parks Board — was cancelled. The City Council will take up several public safety items at its July 6 meeting, including the purchase of police body cameras and a proposal to limit where predatory offenders can live.

Past meetings

Parks Board — June 22

A Parks Board meeting scheduled for June 22 was cancelled. The next regular meeting is set for July 27 at 7 p.m. at the Buffalo City Center.

Another Parks Board meeting was also listed for the same date with an agenda that included recommending the 2026 parks capital improvement budget, approving an updated dedication for Pulaski Shores Park, and receiving an update on an outdoor recreation grant project. Minutes from that meeting have not yet been published, so no decisions are available to report.

Upcoming meetings

City Council — July 6

The council will consider a number of items on its Monday agenda:

The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Buffalo City Center.

Community Center Board — July 6

This meeting of the Buffalo Area Community Center Advisory Board has been cancelled. The next scheduled meeting is August 3.

Buffalo Municipal Utilities Commission — July 9

The commission will hold a workshop meeting with an orientation session for members from the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA). No decisions or public hearings are on the agenda.

Coming up

All official agendas and minutes are available from the city of Buffalo.

Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.