A PLAN FOR BUFFALO.
Three bold pillars to transform the Comptroller's office into a true watchdog for every resident.
Aggressive Neighborhood Audits
No Department Gets a Free Pass.
Buffalo's city departments have operated for too long without rigorous, independent performance reviews. Residents deserve to know whether their tax dollars are actually delivering results — or disappearing into bureaucratic inefficiency.
"If your tax dollars aren't working for your neighborhood, we will find out why — and we will fix it."
— Scott Wilson
The Impact
Estimated $10M+ in recoverable waste identified annually through systematic auditing.
Comprehensive Performance Reviews
Every city department will undergo regular, structured audits measuring service delivery, spending efficiency, and outcomes for residents. No exceptions.
Equity-Focused Analysis
Audits will specifically examine whether services are distributed equitably across all neighborhoods — ensuring South Buffalo, the East Side, and every community receives its fair share.
Public Audit Reports
Findings will be published in plain language — not buried in government jargon — so every resident can understand what's working, what isn't, and what's being done about it.
Proactive Fraud Detection
Implementing modern data analytics to identify irregularities before they become scandals. The Comptroller's office will be a proactive watchdog, not a reactive one.
Absolute Fiscal Transparency
Your Money. Your Right to Know.
Buffalo residents pay taxes and deserve a clear, accessible accounting of every dollar spent. The current system makes it nearly impossible for ordinary people to track city finances. That ends on day one.
"Transparency isn't a courtesy — it's a constitutional obligation to the people of Buffalo."
— Scott Wilson
The Impact
An informed public is the strongest check on government waste and corruption.
Open Book Dashboard
A real-time, publicly accessible online portal showing city revenues, expenditures, contracts, and investments — updated regularly and searchable by neighborhood, department, or category.
Plain-Language Budget Summaries
Annual budget documents translated into clear, readable summaries that any resident can understand — not just accountants and lobbyists.
Contract Transparency
All city contracts above $10,000 published publicly with vendor information, scope of work, and performance outcomes. No more no-bid contracts hidden from public view.
Responsible Bond Management
Ensuring municipal bonds are structured to minimize long-term costs to taxpayers, with full public disclosure of terms, rates, and obligations.
Empowering the Small Business Economy
Buffalo Grows When Its People Grow.
As a small business owner himself, Scott knows firsthand how city bureaucracy can strangle local entrepreneurs. The Comptroller's office has real power to streamline processes and create a financial environment where Buffalo businesses can thrive.
"I built a business in Buffalo. I know what it takes — and I know what gets in the way. I'll remove those barriers."
— Scott Wilson
The Impact
A thriving small business sector means more local jobs, stronger neighborhoods, and a more resilient Buffalo economy.
Streamlined City Processes
Working with other city offices to identify and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks that delay permits, licenses, and payments to local vendors and contractors.
Faster Vendor Payments
Ensuring the city pays its small business vendors on time — because delayed payments from the city can cripple a small operation. Targeting a 30-day payment standard.
Local Procurement Advocacy
Auditing city procurement to ensure local Buffalo businesses are getting a fair shot at city contracts — not just large out-of-town corporations.
Financial Literacy Outreach
Leveraging the Comptroller's office to connect small business owners with financial resources, grant opportunities, and city programs they may not know exist.