Aerial view of Erie Canal during the summer

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation

New York State recognizes that Buffalo's waterfront is a unique asset that must be fully utilized to attract people and businesses to our community. The Governor's vision for a redeveloped waterfront is becoming a reality through the work of the Empire State Development and Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC), an ESD subsidiary.

For decades Buffalo’s Inner Harbor and waterfront sat desolate and underutilized until 2005, when ECHDC spearheaded Buffalo’s waterfront revitalization, reclaiming the area as one of America’s brightest historical treasures. ECHDC’s mission is to revitalize Buffalo’s Inner and Outer Harbor areas and restore economic growth to Western New York, based on the region’s legacy of pride, urban significance and natural beauty.

As a result, our waterfront is being transformed with multiple locations for people to access and enjoy the water's edge.

Media Center

Watch live ECHDC Board Meetings or view past Board Meetings & Press Releases

Planning & Development

View open ECHDC RFPs and RFEIs

Board of Directors

2024 ECHDC Board Meeting schedule

Joan Kesner, Chairwoman
Sam Capitano
Shatorah Roberson
Constance Lydon
Eric Reich
Bryan Wittman
Leslie Zemsky
Mayor Byron W. Brown, Ex-Officio Non-Voting
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, Ex-Officio Non-Voting

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation


95 Perry Street
Suite 500
Buffalo, NY 14203
United States

United States