City of Buffalo Planning Services & Land Use Plan

The City of Buffalo is a vibrant community with a year-round population of just under 5,000 residents. During the summer, the population increases due to a robust tourist-based economy, highlighting the need for dynamic and responsive urban planning. Interstate Engineering has provided comprehensive planning services to address this growing community’s evolving needs since August 2021. This collaboration aims to enhance the city’s infrastructure, accommodate its seasonal population surge, and ensure sustainable development.

Buffalo’s city leadership recognized the need for expert planning services to manage development projects effectively and address the city’s growing demands. The key objectives of this ongoing project include:

• Improving Infrastructure and Services
• Supporting Sustainable Development
• Addressing Housing Affordability
• Enhancing Policy Coordination

Interstate Engineering’s involvement in the City of Buffalo’s planning began in August 2021. Brent, the lead planner, plays a pivotal role in this initiative. His responsibilities include:

• Assisting the Building Inspector: Brent supports the City of Buffalo Building Inspector on complex development projects, leveraging his expertise to navigate intricate planning issues.
• Policy Advice and Expertise: He provides professional advice on policy issues, helping ensure the city’s development aligns with long-term strategic goals.
• Coordination with City Officials: Brent works closely with the Clerk, Mayor, Public Works Director, City Attorney, Planning Board, and City Council, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration across all departments.
• Reviewing Development Projects: His primary role involves reviewing development projects to ensure they meet the city’s standards and strategic objectives.
• Governmental Coordination: Brent’s role has expanded to include coordination with other governmental agencies, including Johnson County and the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

Capital Improvements Plan (CIP)

In 2023, Interstate Engineering completed the CIP for Buffalo. This plan provides a detailed roadmap for prioritizing and funding infrastructure projects over the next several years. Key components of the CIP include:

• Infrastructure Upgrades: Identifying critical infrastructure that requires upgrades to support the city’s growth and ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
• Funding Strategies: Outlining potential funding sources and strategies to finance the proposed projects.
• Project Prioritization: Establishing criteria for prioritizing projects based on their impact, urgency, and alignment with the city’s strategic goals.

2024 Comprehensive Land Use Plan

As part of its commitment to long-term planning, the City of Buffalo is updating its comprehensive land use plan in 2024. This effort involves collaboration between Interstate Engineering’s Red Lodge and Buffalo teams, working closely with city officials and the community. The updated plan aims to:

• Reflect Changing Conditions: The plan will summarize existing conditions and explain new and changing priorities for city leadership.
• Guide Land Use Decisions: The plan will offer solutions to guide local leaders in making informed decisions regarding land uses and regulations.
• Address Housing Affordability: Strategies will focus on retaining and improving housing affordability through multi-faceted planning approaches.
• Public Input Integration: The plan will incorporate public input to help ensure it reflects the community’s needs and aspirations.
• Best Practices in Land Use: The plan will articulate best practices in land use planning, providing local leaders with the necessary information to direct related policies effectively.

The project faced several challenges, including:

• Wildlife and Wetland Conservation
• Seasonal Population Variations
• Housing Demand

The comprehensive planning efforts in Buffalo have yielded numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Infrastructure
• Sustainable Development
• Improved Housing Affordability
• Cohesive Policy Implementation

The ongoing collaboration between the City of Buffalo and Interstate Engineering exemplifies the importance of comprehensive planning in addressing the complex needs of a growing community. Through strategic planning, expert advice, and coordinated efforts, Buffalo is well-positioned to manage its development, enhance infrastructure, and ensure sustainable growth. The updated comprehensive land use plan will provide a modern, pragmatic strategy for future development, reflecting the city’s commitment to balancing economic development with environmental stewardship and community well-being.