Buffalo, NY – Today, the City of Buffalo and Erie County celebrated a major investment in the future of its workforce with the grand opening of the new Workforce Buffalo Downtown Career Center (DCC), located at 77 Broadway in downtown Buffalo. The new state-of-the-art Center will offer modern career services, job training, and upskilling resources to residents throughout the City of Buffalo and Erie County.
The Downtown Career Center was made possible through an investment of more than $677,000 from the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), signed into law by the Obama Administration. WIOA funding supports workforce training and assistance programs administered through the New York State Department of Labor and Erie County. Workforce Buffalo, funded by WIOA, New York State, and Erie County, operates under the leadership of a board with appointments made by the Erie County Executive and the Mayor of Buffalo.
“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.”
“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.”
In addition to the Downtown Career Center, Workforce Buffalo also operates career centers at SUNY Erie’s North and South campuses and served as Erie County’s lead agency responding to workforce needs following the closure of Sumitomo Rubber USA.
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.”
The selection of 77 Broadway for the DCC’s new location followed a competitive RFP process, with Uniland Development’s property chosen for its prime location in downtown Buffalo and strong connections to public transportation routes.
“Uniland is proud to welcome Workforce Buffalo to 77 Broadway,” said 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.”
The Downtown Career Center is now open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, and residents seeking more information can visit https://workforcebuffalo.org