Byron Brown to resign as Mayor of Buffalo, join Western Regional OTB

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Less than a week after the Board of Directors for the Western Regional Off-Track Betting (OTB) corporation approved the contract of Byron Brown to become their next president and CEO, the Buffalo Mayor announced Monday he is set to resign in the coming weeks.

"Over the past two decades, we've transformed Buffalo together. Revitalizing our waterfront, growing our economy, improving our infrastructure and building a stronger, more inclusive community," said Mayor Brown on Monday during a press conference at City Hall. "As the longest serving Mayor of Buffalo, I want to start by thanking everyone for their faithful support, beginning with my wife, Michelle, my son Byron and our family. ... To the people of Buffalo, my colleagues, friends and neighbors, thank you for your support and partnership. That includes my friend and colleague, your soon to be Acting Mayor, Christopher P. Scanlon. I have the utmost confidence in his leadership, and treasure our shared commitment to serving the people of Buffalo."

Mayor Brown accepted the post with Western Regional OTB, as it replaces Henry Wojtaszek come the end of the year.

"My decision to resign and take on a new opportunity was not an easy one after nearly two decades as mayor. I have loved serving the people of Buffalo as mayor, but Michelle and I think the time is right to transition to a new role," Brown said. "I'm proud of how far we've come since I first took office as mayor."

Mayor Brown was first offered the job of president and CEO of Western Regional OTB back on Sept. 5.

The contract the Western Regional Board of Directors approved is expected to pay Brown $295,000. The Mayor has yet to sign the contract, as he still needs to get his gaming license.

Mayor Brown says he will always be grateful for the resilience of the city during its darkest moments, and also during its exponential growth over his nearly 20 years in office.

"Our community is now experiencing a wave of investment and confidence like never before. We saw our first population increase in 70 years. People of all ages, backgrounds and incomes want to live, work and visit the City of Buffalo. Our city is safer, smarter and more sustainable, and I'm proud to say we've hired the most diverse workforce in the history of the City of Buffalo," noted Mayor Brown. "Together, with so many public and private partners, residents, business owners and organizations, we've improved the lives of our neighbors, and moved our community forward in many different areas. From public safety to record development, and historic investments in our parks and neighborhoods, affordable housing and youth employment. I am thankful to all of you for your confidence and the support you placed in me over the years. Our shared accomplishments are a testament to the tenacious spirit and hard work that characterizes our community."

Buffalo Common Council President Chris Scanlon is set to take over as Acting Mayor once Brown formally resigns. He is set to finish out the rest of his term in office, which expires at the end of December 2025.

"As we now prepare to welcome Common Council President Scanlon to this esteemed office, let me reaffirm, Buffalo's future will be in good hands," Mayor Brown added. "With fresh ideas and new leadership, I look forward to celebrating Buffalo's continued progress under Acting Mayor Scanlon."

As for Scanlon, he thanked Brown for laying the foundations for success in his time served as Mayor of the City of Buffalo.

"For nearly two decades, you have led this city through the ups and downs, the victories and defeats, the good times and the bad, and you have been the one constant. More than that, you have been the steady hand that has led us through some of our darkest moments. There is no denying that we are experiencing a different Buffalo than we were 19 years ago," said Council President Scanlon on Monday. "We can all recognize that we are a more diverse, a more inclusive, a more equitable city with a growing population. We've experienced record economic development, alongside positive growth in the areas of housing values and housing incomes. We are now stronger together after having to endure crises and tragedies. And because of Mayor Brown's level-headed leadership, we remain a growing and vibrant 'City of Good Neighbors'. So Mayor, as a resident, as a parent and as a Buffalonian, I thank you."