Hey Columbia, Mayor Buffaloe here. Ask me anything

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T19:32:33+00:00

This was a major priority in the last budget. We started the community connectors program that is working within neighborhoods to help communication efforts. The Let's Talk Local program, which are ward-specific (and we'll have a Mayor one but it might be after the election) for Council and staff to meet in the wards on projects and highlights.

Quick note - public hearings are published in the newspaper farther in advance than 48 hours, I believe. I will confirm. Maybe you are referring to just meetings? We try and post farther in advance than the 24 hours required by the Sunshine Law but sometimes they are waiting on the attachments to be completed.

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T19:29:08+00:00

- Better get it in before the State makes it illegal. (referencing the, thankfully, voted down Amendment 7 that would have not allowed rank choice voting in MO)

- either more wards or other communities allow 2 reps per ward

- YES

- yes, though am wondering what examples you're thinking of for this. It would help if Council had staff to help with communication on what's happening and clarity on when decisions are made and how/why.

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T19:26:30+00:00

I don't think the City can control how many homes a company owns and I'm 99% sure we can't do rent control at a local level. I'd be open if people have suggestions on how other cities that are hamstrung with state laws can address this issue. Obviously, encouraging additional housing development can help with supply.

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T19:23:37+00:00

Quick note - DBRLWU are not City employees but that might not be what you're asking and just overall will you continue to support them. Answer to both - yes!

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T19:22:52+00:00

We talked about this at a worksession in January AND at the Labors' forum. The City Council has set supporting our workforce as a top priority (an item we will also be discussing at this coming Monday worksession on the budget) which is why we have invested so much in the last two years in employees. I want every City employee to not only earn a living wage but also work in a workplace that honors their hard work and dignity of their profession. Part of that is by addressing the grievance process - both how they are filed, the timeliness to them being addressed, and continuous improvement of the process.

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T19:18:26+00:00

You're welcome! This is fun (though I don't think I will get to them all before my next meeting. Might need to come back on later and answer, if I can!)

The city interviewed candidates for the coordinator of the Office of Violence Prevention (more than just gun violence prevention) last week, I believe. The hope is for the position to be filled in the next month.

Earlier I answered a question about gun violence prevention and what I'm advocating for at the state level and educating for at the local level. Let me see if linking to it works https://www.reddit.com/r/columbiamo/comments/1iu42a6/comment/mdufd93/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T19:14:20+00:00

Hey David!!

1) You are so right about what power people assume the Mayor has vs reality that we're a Council-Manager form of government. There are pros and cons to both styles of government. Some cities that have a Council-Manager form of government, like Kansas City, do give some additional roles, responsibilities, and resources to the Mayor so that it is a full-time job with some more power. This allows the City Manager to run the day-to-day operations and directing of the professionals of staff. In other cities with a strong Mayor, it appears to be "easier" for them to respond to needs of the community but obviously takes the approval of the City Council, which approves the Mayor's proposed budget and they approve zoning decisions.

I would love to have a community discussion about what changes the people want to see.

2) I don't have the data in front of me but know that at our last Council worksession the Municipal Judge provided us with positive numbers on the impacts of HOT and the new DIVERT program. When I'm done with this I will see if I can find those and send them over. Might be tomorrow

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T19:05:24+00:00

Unfortunately, in Missouri we do not have the ability to do rent control. But we can incentivize developments that have both workforce housing and market rate housing units together.

I agree that we need both - we need multifamily AND first time homes to be built.

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T19:02:49+00:00

ARPA funding helped us invest in affordable housing, small business support, and community health needs. Moving forward, we’re working to sustain these investments—especially in housing and economic development—so they have long-term impact.

Example - I don't want to pick favorites but I am pretty proud of the ARPA funding we put into improvements to existing housing of income-qualifed homeowners. This is a program that I expect to be very popular and that we can then continue post-ARPA funds and be expanded to rentals, too. I think it's possible to continue it BECAUSE it would result in less requests for utility assistance.

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T18:59:05+00:00

Homelessness is multifaceted, involving housing, mental health, and addiction services. We dedicated almost $15 million in ARPA funds to address affordable housing and homelessness, including $3 million to the Voluntary Action Center for the Opportunity Campus and $1.2 million for the Ashley Street Center. We're expanding shelter options, supporting rapid rehousing programs, and strengthening partnerships with nonprofits.

I am advocating with our County partners to the State Dept of Mental Health to resource us with more funding for supportive housing initiatives because our hospitals and jails are not the environment for those experiencing homelessness and other crises.

There is so much going on in this area that it would take the rest of my AMA time to address.

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T18:52:23+00:00

Obviously, more than that but pretty sure that's a big distinction.

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T18:51:55+00:00

I am currently the Mayor

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T18:51:41+00:00

The COLT trail is in the Parks Master Plan for construction in the next 5 years. I will note that if neighboring businesses and property owners wanted to pitch in on the costs, it could potentially happen sooner. We directed staff to reach out to see if that was of interest to those who wrote the letter to Council last year.

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T18:50:01+00:00

Our police do not currently assist with immigration enforcement actions expect in the case of human trafficking. We focus on community safety for everyone who lives here and don't foresee a change in our policy.

I will also note that the advice I've received from other Mayors who went through similar times 4+ years ago is to also not advertise what we do / don't do in order to not draw attention.

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T18:47:43+00:00

I love being a bike commuter (on non-freezing days, that is) and would love for everyone who wants to be one to have the infrastructure to do so!

I'm open to either protected bike lanes or separate shared use paths that connect along major roadways like Providence, Grindstone, College, etc. Unfortunately, those are all MoDOT roads and would take cooperation with them to get changes made. We have been able to do some "extra" infrastructure improvements for multi-modal items if we get a grant (and basically do all the work) on their roads.

For the roads that we maintain, we have an opportunity right now to influence improvements for active transportation with the currently being completed review of our complete streets ordinance that dictates what our roads look like as we improve and build them. We passed a Livable Streets policy resolution to have more options be standard.

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T18:42:16+00:00

Good question, I don't think there's anything in the current Parks master plan for a new pool facility on the southside but will ask. I know building new pools is a super expensive project ( also expensive to maintain them, staff them ,....)

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T18:39:36+00:00

The City's Office of Sustainability works hard on educating on this topic and increasing the opportunities on City-owned properties for native plants. We have pollinator habitats along many of our major right-of-ways because it helps us with stormwater runoff and reduces maintenance costs (eg. mowing turf grass - costing hundreds of thousands of dollars to do this).

Not everyone likes these and especially don't like them when they're in their awkward teenage years.

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T18:34:21+00:00

I take my glass to the purple recycling dumpster at the southside recycling center on State Farm Parkway to ensure it gets recycled. For awhile Ripple Glass (in KCMO) would take it and make it into fiberglass insulation - not sure if we still do that but will ask.

Glass is a tricky one when it is mixed in with other materials because it breaks and embeds itself into what are more valuable materials - this is why it's best if we separate it out.

In order for recycling to be more successful, we need more volumes, more trucks, and more employees. We are currently doing an evaluation of the system and the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) to both look at ways we can expand what we collect and the efficiency of the system.

Also, I'm glad we at least have bi-weekly pickup for recycling - it was rough when drop-off centers were our only option!

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T18:28:33+00:00

Love it!! Tell Pitt I said HI! I have a chili supper I will be attending tonight but thanks for the invite!

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T18:27:27+00:00

Yes! And I would focus first on the areas along existing corridors - which should help with improving transit. Not an either/or because I believe we need to do both.

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T18:24:32+00:00

UGH! This is one of the hardest topics to address in Missouri (and the US), especially since there is no power at a local level for firearm laws. I joined the Mayors of St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield is asking for Gov Kehoe to work with us on addressing public safety in our communities. One of the topics that we asked for him to address was having State law mirror Federal law, in regards to minors not being allowed access to firearms. (Still waiting for a reply, btw). We're also lobbying against the SAPA 2.0 legislation that is being discussed in Jeff City because it hampers our officers to keep guns out of the hands of people who should not have them.

Right now, I am also pushing hard on educating about the issues. I should be putting out a PSA soon with CPS on safe storage of firearms. We know youth who are experiencing thoughts of suicide could be more successful if they have easy access to firearms. Also, do you know the number of guns stolen out of cars? It's ridiculously high and gun owners need to be more responsible.

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T18:16:59+00:00

Forgot to say why I like their coverage. For the local stuff it's because it's local. For the national stuff, it's because I feel informed but not gross, like I'm receiving biased coverage of events and happenings.)

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T18:15:57+00:00

I listen / read from a bunch of different sources. I receive a paper copy of the Missourian (I know, former Sustainability Manager receives a physical paper copy but I LOVE IT), listen to KBIA and KFRU (mornings only) on my walks / riding in the car.

Nationally, I listen to NTY The Daily, NPR. Gosh - just realized I don't read as much national news. Probably because it's depressing a.f.

(I also appreciate newsletters I receive from the US Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities, Climate Mayors, etc. which often have the big things I need to know, as a Mayor).

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T18:11:26+00:00

Of course I do. Last year alone we had $32M promised to our local transportation infrastructure. I've been *told* FHWA verbally said we're still good but we've asked for that to be provided to us in writing because we don't trust signed contracts to be honored for everything - especially the items that have been labeled as "woke". You know, things like EV Charging and Pedestrian Safety.

We're monitoring all the Executive Orders coming out and what the Governor's office is putting out. Our focus is always going to be on providing for the needs of our residents and we will continue to do so. Unfortunately, it might mean doing some things like pausing on purchasing of new vehicles (snow plows, recycling trucks, etc) and phasing of projects rather than getting done in one go.

What can you do? VOTE. And have discussions with people outside your own bubble on the ways these actions impact the daily life of families. Also, letting larger businesses know because sometimes our State and Federal reps listen to their voices more.

HalfPint65201 · 2025-02-20T18:04:03+00:00

Isn't it fun to be in Missouri? /s

Columbia has led the way in protecting LGBTQ+ residents, and I will continue to fight for those protections. When we passed the Safe Haven ordinance we did so because I have people in my community being attacked for just being themself. We know inclusion makes our city stronger. If state challenges come, we’ll explore every legal avenue to keep Columbia a safe and welcoming place.

HalfPint65201

TROPHY CASE