Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown Resigns for Western OTB

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, who has served for nearly two decades, announced he will resign to become president and CEO of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. His new role will provide a significant salary increase from $178,500 to $295,000 annually, plus an $800 monthly car allowance and a $1,500 health insurance stipend. Brown's departure comes after a successful write-in campaign in 2021, and he is praised for the city's recent population growth and diversity initiatives during his tenure. Buffalo Common Council President Christopher Scanlon will step in as acting mayor until the end of Brown's term in December 2025. Speculation continues about potential candidates for the mayoral seat in the upcoming election, alongside ongoing discussions about the implications of Brown's move for Buffalo's political landscape.