- Staffed the Community First Alliance, an Open Buffalo-led coalition that is working to make sure that the community benefits from economic development programs and projects through quality jobs, education and training, local and minority business opportunities, and green design and operations, with an initial focus on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and the surrounding Fruit Belt neighborhood
- Organized community meetings and legislative visits around key issues of inclusionary zoning and gentrification for Fruit Belt residents and coalition members Assisted on activities related to comprehensive anti-gentrification strategy including organizing and planning the inaugural Anti-Gentrification Summit
- Presented to the Community First Alliance and High Road partners about the current development landscape and policy recommendations of what the coalition should embark on next given capacity and effectiveness of the stakeholders
"I couldn’t have asked for a better summer. This has been the most eye-opening experience that has caused me to do a lot of self-reflection. But most importantly, it has inspired me to always be doing more. I don’t have a defined career path yet. I find that every day I change what I want to do and I don’t know how to figure it out. But, this summer has taught me that I can’t be on the sidelines for anything and that I should trust my moral compass. So, for the long term, I don’t know what I am going to do or how I am going to do it. But, short term, I know I will be taking everything back to Ithaca with me. I want to be more involved in the non-profit community in Ithaca. I want to start organizing student organizations via the PPG modelso that students can better advocate for what they deserve. I know I won’t forget this summer. It will be something that I always take with me and always will remember."
"Joe has a sharp analysis and a quick wit. He was instrumental in producing a campaign plan for our ongoing campaign to win a citywide mandatory inclusionary zoning policy for the city of Buffalo. He also assisted with the incorporation of and fundraising for Western New York’s first community land trust. It was a pleasure to get to know him and work with him over the course of the 2017 High Road Fellowship. As a native son of Buffalo, his hometown has a lot to be proud of. I look forward to the work he’ll do in the future, knowing that it will be grounded in justice and equity for all and a great love of humanity."
Harper Bishop,
Open Buffalo
