Former Buffalo Employment and Training Center Modernizes, Relocates, Rebrands and Re-Opens as Downtown Career Center
Over $677 thousand in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (“WIOA”) Funding Improves Center in Heart of Downtown
ERIE COUNTY, NY— The new Workforce Buffalo Downtown Career Center, now in its new home at 77 Broadway, was the site for a grand opening and ribbon-cutting event today as local elected and employment officials came together to celebrate the debut of the new space. The local workforce development board for Buffalo and Erie County, Workforce Buffalo relocated, modernized, and rebranded the former Buffalo Employment and Training Center to 77 Broadway in Buffalo as the new Downtown Career Center (“DCC”), investing over $677 thousand in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (“WIOA”) funds to provide a new, modern career counseling, job training, and upskilling center in the heart of downtown Buffalo.
“Today marks a great new chapter for Erie County as we open the doors on a modern career center in the heart of downtown Buffalo,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “The new Workforce Buffalo Downtown Career Center at 77 Broadway will provide a better experience for Erie County residents looking to upskill or find a new career – especially those residents who live in the City of Buffalo. While our economy and employment are strong, my administration will always ensure our community has ladders of opportunity to help residents reach their full potential and achieve family-sustaining wages. The DCC is one of those ladders.”
Poloncarz today joined acting City of Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon, Workforce Buffalo Executive Director Dr. Jacqueline Hall, Erie County Legislator Lawrence Dupre, Buffalo Common Councilmember Leah Halton-Pope, Uniland Development CEO Michael Montante, Workforce Buffalo Administrative Director Lavon Stephens, Workforce Buffalo Deputy Director Dixie Farr, and NYS Department of Labor personnel at the DCC to announce the grand re-opening.
"Buffalo’s greatest strength is our people — and today’s grand opening of the Workforce Buffalo Downtown Career Center is an investment in their future," said City of Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon. "By providing modern career counseling, job training, and upskilling opportunities right in the heart of downtown, we’re helping residents access the resources they need to thrive in today’s economy. I’m proud that the City of Buffalo is a partner in this effort, and I thank Workforce Buffalo, Erie County, and all our workforce development leaders for their commitment to building ladders of opportunity for every resident in our community."
WIOA, signed into law by the Obama Administration, provides workforce training and assistance funds to the New York State Department of Labor and Erie County. The Workforce Buffalo organization is funded by WIOA, New York State, and Erie County, with board members appointed by the County Executive and the Mayor of Buffalo. In addition to the DCC, Workforce Buffalo operates the career centers at SUNY Erie’s North and South locations and was Erie County’s lead agency in responding to workforce needs following Sumitomo’s closure.
Workforce Buffalo Executive Director Dr. Jacqueline Hall said, “Workforce development is the heartbeat of a thriving community—connecting people to purpose, potential, and prosperity. The grand reopening of the Workforce Buffalo Downtown Career Center marks not just a new chapter for our community, but a renewed commitment to empowering individuals with the tools, training, and support they need to succeed in an ever-evolving economy."
Uniland Development and 77 Broadway were chosen for the DCC’s new home based on responses to an RFP, given the site’s prime location in downtown Buffalo and connection to public transit routes.
“Uniland is proud to welcome Workforce Buffalo to 77 Broadway,” noted Uniland CEO Michael Montante. “We take pride in providing high-quality spaces that support the vital mission of organizations like Workforce Buffalo. Uniland has championed local workforce development initiatives for decades with many government and industry partners, which makes it especially meaningful that the Workforce Buffalo Downtown Career Center is based at one of our legacy Elm-Oak corridor buildings. This central location will provide greater accessibility for their vital services, and we are pleased that our property can serve as a foundation for their continued employment and training efforts.”
New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Connecting New Yorkers to career opportunities is one of the Department’s core missions, and the new Workforce Buffalo Downtown Career Center is a valuable addition to help further this goal. This investment in career counseling and job training opportunities will greatly benefit workers in Western New York looking to change or grow their careers and provide a knowledgeable and skilled workforce for local employers.”
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