Home > Leadership > Common Council > Common Council Members > Michael J. LoCurto

Michael J. LoCurto

Common Council Committees:

Community Development - Chairman
Finance - Member
Legislation - Member

Organizations:

Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency

Staff:

Bradley Hamm
Senior Legislative Assistant
bhamm@city-buffalo.com

James Thoma
Legislative Assistant
jthoma@city-buffalo.com

Background:

A lifelong resident of the City of Buffalo, Michael J. LoCurto was appointed the Delaware District Common Council Member in March 2006.  He was elected that November to finish the term and was reelected to a four-year term in November 2007.  Council Member LoCurto was educated at Public School #66 Elementary School, City Honors High School, and the University at Buffalo, from which he received both his B.A. in Media Studies and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning.

Prior to his appointment to the Common Council, LoCurto served as Special Assistant to New York State Assembly Member Sam Hoyt, helping to establish the Mayor’s Anti-Flipping Task Force and specializing in research and legislation on issues of community development and urban revitalization.  He also served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Urban Planning at the University at Buffalo, Research Fellow at the UB Institute for Local Governance and Regional Growth and as an intern for both the City of Buffalo Office of Strategic Planning and U.S. Congressman John J. LaFalce.

Accomplishments:

Working People

• Living Wage: Drafted legislation/leading the fight to improve quality of life for residents by trying to mandate that all City-contacted firms pay their employees wages at or above the poverty level.
• Apprentice Program/Job Training: Provide greater opportunity for a diverse workforce in the various trade unions and support of program designed to help increase safety measures in the work environment through education and hands-on training.
• Refund Anticipation Loan Legislation: In conjunction with Councilmember Rivera, co-sponsored legislation to combat unfair “refund anticipation loan” practices.

Little Italy

• The “Little Italy” designation on Hertel Avenue in North Buffalo gives the ability to further promote the City through marketing on local maps, tourism brochures and unique signage on the street.  Hertel Avenue is the ideal location for our region’s Little Italy as it is one of buffalo’s most bustling and beautiful strips.  Hertel Avenue symbolizes the rich culture of North Buffalo.  The eateries, bakeries, boutiques and various other attractions keep Hertel Avenue one the most appealing areas in the region.  In addition to its every day appeal, Hertel Avenue is home to the annual Italian Heritage Parade in October and annual Italian Heritage Festival in July.
  

Assessment

• Helped property owners fight to keep their property values at a reasonable market rate through document preparation and representation at challenge hearings (in 2008, successful in nine out of ten assessment challenges).

Commercial District

• Delaware District Façade Program: Matching funds program designed to strengthen and enhance the growth of small businesses through improvement of signage and storefronts.
• Graffiti Removal: Established program that funds the removal of unwanted markings and vandalism on residences and businesses throughout the community.
• Housing Conditions: Helped establish the Anti-Flipping Task Force (AFTF) to crack down on fraudulent absentee real estate investors.

Property Manager Licensing

• Proposed legislation to combat bad property managers acting on the behalf of absentee landlords.