Western New York - Buffalos Clean Mobility Future
Community Engagement and Capacity Building Are Driving Mobility Solutions
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) 
is working to advance inclusive, equitable mobility and climate solutions by identifying strategies focused on people, place, and policy. The project is driven by direct engagement with residents, community-based organizations, and employers in the historically disadvantaged neighborhood of Buffalo's East Side to develop strategies to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT), support active mobility solutions, and develop the street infrastructure that aligns with these goals. By centering the voices of individuals most negatively impacted by unequal funding decisions in the past and moving from asking them to inform a solution to building their capacity to deploy solutions, LISC is creating a neighborhood and system-based approach to addressing barriers to transportation, the green economy, and climate solutions.
This comprehensive project will deploy multiple mobility solutions, including an e-bike library, e-bike share system, EV car share, and street safety improvements. This investment will support a just transition, employer education on transportation electrification, and job training to build wealth in Buffalo communities and reduce the barriers to participation in the new mobility future. Additionally, the project works with major local employers to plan and pilot transportation demand management strategies based on employees’ identified transportation needs. Finally, the project will advance two regionally prioritized greenways that connect Buffalo’s East Side to its existing system of trails and will identify opportunities to design and implement projects to improve street safety.
Project Progress
LISC Brings Clean Mobility to East Buffalo
What is the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)?
LISC is a national non-profit organization with offices in Buffalo, NY where they partner with community-based organizations, civic leaders and others across government, finance, and philanthropy to implement solutions that advance community development initiatives. For over 40 years, LISC 
has supported residents and community organizations in accessing everyday services through relationships with public and private resources. By investing in transportation development projects in Western New York and leveraging their experience across the country, LISC is able to connect community residents to the resources and funding opportunities they need.
The result of these services is safe and comfortable transportation solutions that connect residents to housing, jobs, and essential services within vibrant communities.
Varied Opportunities for East Buffalo
East Buffalo has historically experienced underinvestment, with limited transportation accessibility and job opportunities compared to other parts of the city. As few as one in three residents has access to a private vehicle .
LISC convened partners to implement a multi-pronged approach aimed at increasing mobility options in the neighborhood.
LISC’s resulting proposal was awarded funding from NYSERDA’s New York Clean Transportation Prizes initiative to deliver innovative clean transportation solutions in East Buffalo. This financial support is helping East Buffalo residents access enhanced transportation resources throughout their community.
From E-Bikes to Intersections
The projects led by LISC and its Clean Mobility Buffalo initiative include a new e-bike library , expanded bikeshare access, an electric carshare pilot , and street and bike trail projects all focused on increasing mobility in the priority underserved neighborhoods. One of those projects - The Healthy Streets Initiative - will include further intersection improvements across East Buffalo over the next two years. Finally, the East Side Trails will connect East Buffalo to the city’s existing bike trail system, facilitating easier and safer access to travel by bike to and from the neighborhood.
This project provided educational opportunities to local businesses interested in investing in EV charging, worked with major employers to develop and pilot mobility strategies to help their employees get to and from work. In addition, a workforce training program allowed participants to gain transportation-related skills, certifications, and job placements in the clean transportation sector that will make a difference in the larger community for years to come.
From Now to Next
For East Buffalo, these new, safe, and reliable transportation options are improving neighborhood accessibility, and will continue to promote long-term growth and success for residents, organizations and all community members.