Industry Leaders Forum - Development & Construction

Description

2026 Development & Construction Industry Leaders Forum

The Future of Downtown

Downtown Buffalo’s pre-pandemic momentum has undeniably shifted. With fewer employees working downtown full time, reduced demand for office space, higher vacancy rates, and mounting pressures on commercial businesses, development and construction leaders are navigating a far more complex and uncertain environment. Financing new construction and renovation projects has become increasingly difficult, and questions remain about what types of projects and uses will be viable in today’s market.

The 2026 Development & Construction Industry Leaders Forum is not intended to restate these challenges—our members are living them every day. Instead, this year’s forum will center on solutions. Through guided discussion with industry peers and thought leaders, the conversation will focus on tangible recommendations for incentive programs, policy tools, and market-driven initiatives that can support strategic investment in downtown Buffalo. A particular emphasis will be placed on the conversion, reuse, and adaptation of existing buildings and spaces as a pathway to stabilizing and re-energizing the downtown core.

This forum will produce actionable insights to help shape the next phase of downtown’s evolution and position the region for sustainable, market-responsive growth.

Industry Leader Forum – Development & Construction 
Wednesday, January 28
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Buffalo Niagara Partnership
79 Perry St., Ste. 200
Buffalo, NY 14203

Agenda
8:00 am - 8:30 am - Networking & Registration
8:30 am - 10:00 am – Program

The ILF is a BNP member-only benefit for applicable companies. Interested in learning more about ILF membership?  Seth Piccirillo, Director of Economic Development, at spiccirillo@thepartnership.org

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Take your seat at the table 

The ILF is a BNP member-only benefit for applicable companies.

Please contact Seth Piccirillo, Director of Economic Development, at spiccirillo@thepartnership.org for more information.

To become a member of BNP and participate in ILF, click here.