Buffalo’s Big Moves: New Training, Housing Puzzles, and a Local Leader Steps Down

A first-of-its-kind program in upstate New York is gearing up to train future midwives, with classes scheduled to start in early 2027. The seven-semester doctorate program, opening applications next August, aims to fill gaps in healthcare access by producing skilled professionals. Meanwhile, the region’s real estate market tells a mixed story—more homes are hitting the market, yet demand still outstrips supply, keeping prices stubbornly high. Over in business news, a longtime leader known for boosting the local economy has called it quits after decades, raising questions about what’s next for Buffalo Niagara’s growth.

Housing shortages aren’t just a Buffalo problem—they’re a national headache. For years, experts have warned that not enough homes are being built to match population growth. Now, with more listings popping up, buyers might finally get more choices, but don’t expect bargains anytime soon. The market has shifted from frenzied to simply competitive, yet the imbalance remains a major hurdle for families trying to settle down. Changes at the top could ripple through the local economy. A key figure who spent over 25 years shaping business development has retired, leaving behind a legacy of efforts to attract investment. His departure leaves a gap that successors will struggle to fill quickly, especially if economic trends start to cool. Meanwhile, the Bills franchise is celebrating America’s upcoming 250th birthday with a throwback list of its all-time greatest players—a fun distraction from bigger questions about the team’s future.

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