Episodes

  • What Does NYSDOT’s Queen City Forward Plan Mean for the East Side

    What Does NYSDOT’s Queen City Forward Plan Mean for the East Side
    Apr 23 2026
    Today on What’s Next?, we take a closer look at the future of the Kensington Expressway through the Queen City Forward initiative. The effort is focused on reimagining the corridor by engaging community members in conversations about what comes next. We speak with Taje Jenkins-Jones and Ryan Whalen of the New York State Department of Transportation about how listening sessions are helping shape the process and why input from residents, especially those most impacted, is critical. They also discussed how the project could improve accessibility, neighborhood connections, and overall quality of life.
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    55 mins
  • Funding Challenges Facing SUNY Campuses in New York

    Funding Challenges Facing SUNY Campuses in New York
    Apr 22 2026
    SUNY campuses across New York are facing mounting financial challenges, with Buffalo State and SUNY Fredonia dealing with significant structural deficits. In this episode of What’s Next?, Fred Kowal, President of United University Professions, discusses the impact of past budget cuts, the current funding gap, and what it means for students and faculty. He also highlights the importance of programs like the Educational Opportunity Program, which supports thousands of students each year, and calls for increased state investment to strengthen public higher education.
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    55 mins
  • UB Law Report on Immigration Enforcement and Local Police Cooperation

    UB Law Report on Immigration Enforcement and Local Police Cooperation
    Apr 15 2026
    A new report from the University at Buffalo School of Law examines the impact of cooperation between local agencies and federal immigration enforcement, highlighting concerns about human rights and community trust. In this episode of What’s Next?, we explore the findings of Ending Complicity: The Harms of State and Local Collusion with Federal Immigration Enforcement, including cases in Western New York that demonstrate the consequences of local involvement. The report also points to potential policy solutions, including the New York for All Act, and calls for clearer guidelines and stronger oversight.
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    55 mins
  • Producer’s Pick feat. Ben Hilligas, Jessica Bauer Walker, Sam Radford and Syntyia Taylor

    Producer’s Pick feat. Ben Hilligas, Jessica Bauer Walker, Sam Radford and Syntyia Taylor
    Apr 13 2026
    On this episode we highlight three conversations heard on previous episodes. We revisit Jay Moran’s sit down with Ben Hilligas Executive Director of University at Buffalo’s Educational Opportunity Center. Education Advocate Jessica Bauer Walker and Community Leader Sam Radford with I’Jaz Ja’ceil and What’s Next? contributor Ekua Mends-Aidoo conversation with Board Chair of Buffalo Black Nurses Syntyia Taylor.
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    55 mins
  • Addressing Trafficking and Supporting Women Survivors

    Addressing Trafficking and Supporting Women Survivors
    Apr 8 2026
    Human trafficking remains a hidden crisis impacting vulnerable communities across the country. In this episode of What’s Next?, Kelly Diane Galloway, founder of Project Mona’s House, shares her journey and the mission behind her organization. She discusses the challenges survivors face, including language barriers and lack of documentation, and the importance of education and legislation in addressing trafficking. Galloway also highlights the organization’s two-year residential program, which helps women rebuild their lives with a focus on stability and independence, and her work on a state task force addressing the disproportionate impact of trafficking on Black, Indigenous, and women of color.
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    55 mins
  • How Buffalo Organizations Are Building Career Pathway

    How Buffalo Organizations Are Building Career Pathway
    Apr 6 2026
    Buffalo organizations are coming together to connect families with career opportunities and critical support services at the upcoming Strong Families, Strong Futures Workforce Development Expo. On this episode of What’s Next?, Luanne Brown of the Buffalo Prenatal Perinatal Network and Asantewa Holley of the Northland Workforce Training Center discuss how their programs are helping individuals access job training, transportation, and family support services. They also highlight the importance of wraparound care, employer partnerships, and meeting community needs with empathy and intention.
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    55 mins
  • Homeownership in 2026 Barriers Breakthroughs and the Path Forward

    Homeownership in 2026 Barriers Breakthroughs and the Path Forward
    Apr 1 2026
    Buying a home in Buffalo is getting harder. Rising interest rates, low inventory, and higher loan amounts are putting pressure on first time buyers, especially working-class families and non-native English speakers. Takeysha Mudzingwa and Jim Ahrens from Five Star Bank break down what’s changed and share practical strategies to navigate credit, financing, and the path from pre-qualification to closing.
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    55 mins
  • Energy Efficiency Programs for Low Income Households in WNY

    Energy Efficiency Programs for Low Income Households in WNY
    Mar 30 2026
    NOCO President and CEO Michael Casciano discusses how the company is expanding energy efficiency programs to help low- to moderate-income households in Western New York reduce energy costs. In a conversation with I’Jaz Je’ceil, he explains how free energy audits and insulation upgrades can lower bills, while also addressing the barriers many families face in accessing these programs.
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    55 mins