Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon announced on Friday a new partnership between the City of Buffalo and Umojo to advance the Smart Curb Buffalo program — a groundbreaking initiative designed to modernize real-time curb management, enhance public safety, improve parking efficiency, and strengthen coordination among emergency services.
Funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s SMART Grant, Smart Curb Buffalo introduces dynamic curb technology, including digital signage, e-paper displays, and real-time data sensors, to communicate parking regulations, emergency alerts, and event closures directly to the public. The initiative will also help emergency services better navigate traffic conditions during critical incidents and snow events while improving access and efficiency for residents, visitors, and local businesses.
"These new technologies bring the future of smart city innovation right to our curbs," said Mayor Scanlon on Friday. "Smart Curb Buffalo is designed to improve public safety, strengthen emergency notifications, reduce congestion, and provide residents and visitors with real-time information about parking and street operations — all while helping our first responders reach those in need more quickly. This is a prime example of how innovation can bring Buffalo into a new era of responsiveness, communication, and service to its residents."
The program will use Umojo’s advanced technology to deliver immediate notifications of parking regulations or policy alerts during emergencies, snow removal, or street repairs. It will also display real-time parking availability at nearby alternative locations, helping drivers make informed decisions and reducing congestion in high-demand areas.
"We’re proud to partner with the City of Buffalo to help bring the Smart Curb Buffalo vision to life," said Rick Neubauer, founder and CEO of Umojo. "This initiative represents the next generation of curb management — one that blends real-time data, adaptive technology, and public safety priorities into a unified, intelligent system. By combining innovation with community impact, Buffalo is setting a new benchmark for how cities can use smart infrastructure to improve safety, efficiency, and the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike."
The partnership will oversee the phased installation and testing of this new infrastructure in three pilot areas — the Buffalo Niagara Medical Corridor, Chippewa Entertainment District, and Canalside — each chosen for its high-traffic volume, mixed-use development, and importance to the city’s mobility network. The Medical Corridor zone spans roughly 10 city blocks encompassing multiple hospitals and medical facilities; Chippewa serves as a hotel and entertainment district in downtown Buffalo; and Canalside, one of Buffalo’s premier public destinations, hosts year-round events and includes the BMHA Marine Drive Apartments, the Children’s Museum, and a fully solar-powered carousel.
"This project goes beyond technology — it’s about giving residents and visitors the information they need, when they need it, while making city operations more efficient and Buffalo safer for all," said Buffalo Parking Commissioner Ray Wagner.
The Smart Curb Buffalo pilot will be deployed in phases beginning in late 2025, with sensor installation planned for the fourth quarter of 2025, followed by digital LCD screen installations in early 2026 and eInk signage deployment through spring 2026. The city will continuously evaluate the collected data to assess parking patterns, occupancy trends, and emergency coordination, helping inform future policy decisions.
"While some cities use digital kiosks to share alerts, Buffalo’s Smart Curb pilot is one of the first in the nation to fully integrate emergency management communications directly into our streetscape," said Buffalo Emergency Manager Thomas Luby. "Through this technology, residents, workers, and visitors can instantly access real-time safety updates, street closures, public health advisories, and major event information from trusted city sources — even if they’re not signed up for BuffAlerts. The Smart Curb initiative turns everyday infrastructure into a public safety lifeline, expanding our city’s preparedness network and helping keep our community safe, informed, and resilient."
To minimize disruptions, installation and maintenance activities will occur during low-traffic periods, with minimal to no lane closures anticipated. The pilot will not introduce any new parking regulations; all existing rules will remain in effect.
Public participation and education is an important part of the Smart Curb Buffalo rollout.
Residents, business owners, and community stakeholders are encouraged to attend upcoming meetings to learn more about the project:
Monday, October 20, 2025 - 4 p.m.
City of Buffalo Planning Board Meeting OSP Conference Room
921 City Hall
Buffalo, N.Y. 14202
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - 2 p.m.
Community Development Committee Meeting Council Chambers
13th Floor, City Hall
Buffalo, N.Y. 14202
Community ambassadors, local businesses, and transportation partners will continue to receive updates through BuffAlert messages and the project’s public engagement website, smartcurb.buffalony.gov, which includes maps, FAQs, and a feedback portal.