Assemblymember Jon Rivera

09/13/2026

Four years ago, I decided that I wanted to create some sort of community event that would activate Mass Ave. Park, a space within my old neighborhood that hasn't gotten nearly enough attention through the years.

What started out as a way to meet residents where they are with government and non-profit services, has grown to become a way for West Side neighbors to meet one another and a huge annual gathering that allows agencies across our region to supply families with vital resources.

I am extremely grateful for every single volunteer and vendor who helps to organize this outstanding community event, and I'm equally appreciative of every single person who visits us at Mass Ave. Park each year.

A special thanks to Community Canvases, WNY Trash Mob, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo for hosting us.

As a kid from the West Side who used to play on these streets, wishing there were more events and activities to keep us engaged, I am incredibly honored to be able to deliver an annual event that gives folks in this neighborhood a day out, and one that helps families prepare for the fall and winter months ahead.

09/11/2026

A solemn and incredibly moving Sept. 11 ceremony this morning at Amherst Memorial Hill Grove.

To hear from local families who were directly impacted by the events of that fateful day is to be reminded that there are some wounds that can never be fully healed. May we continue to work toward a global peace and understanding that prevents innocent lives from being needlessly taken.

09/10/2026

Thanks to the wonderful folks at Horizon Health Services for the tour today of their new Hertel-Elmwood recovery center.

The extra 10,000 square feet of space here will not only benefit the mental health needs of more families, but the new site will also hold the first dedicated perinatal outpatient program in the region.

09/07/2026

I'm incredibly proud that my five years in the NYS Assembly has been backed by unions from the very beginning, because they know I'll always stand on the frontlines alongside them when there's work to be done.

It cannot be overstated how much the labor and union movement facilitated countless milestones and achievements for generations of American workers, while improving the lives of millions in the process. We still have work to do, and we'll do it in solidarity with workers and laborers everywhere.

Enjoy your Labor Day!

09/02/2026

We're 10 days away from Party in the Park 2026!

Join my office, Community Canvases, WNY Trash Mob,the Westside Business & Taxpayers Association, and Councilmember David Rivera for a FREE day of community fun, resources, and celebration as we kick off the 2026-2027 school year! Over 40 local organizations will be on site to connect you with vital services, programs, and opportunities.

Highlights include:

• Free backpack giveaway with school supplies– children must be present to claim (courtesy of United Way).
• Home weatherization kits (courtesy of National Fuel)
• Back-to-school haircuts for kids (courtesy of Blendz by Goodfellas)
• Free food, live music, and entertainment
• Free Bike Raffle w/ helmet & lock, courtesy of Wheels for Workers!
• Music from DJ Ras Muata (Power 96.5) and music and cultural performances from ArtHouse and the Burmese Water Festival Dancers
• Inflatable Slide, lawn games, arts & crafts, activities, and fun for all ages-including a special activity with the Buffalo AKG Art Truck!

Special thanks to our supporters: Rich’s Products, Extra Extra Pizza, Wegmans, Good Neighbors Credit Union, Occasions by Osteria 166, and the Lexington Co-Op!

08/26/2026

Dolly Parton will be remembered in more ways than one. She was a musical icon. She was a philanthropist. But here in Erie County her legacy will endure most significantly as a result of her work through her Imagination Library program, which sends a free book each month to children and spurs within them a lifelong love of reading.

I'm immensely proud to have brought the program to Western New York, which now covers every child in Erie County.

RIP Dolly, and thank you on behalf of every kid who discovered a brand new story because of your generosity.

Sign up here:
https://www.uwbec.org/our-work/youth-opportunity/dolly-partons-imagination-library/

08/24/2026

Cannot thank everyone enough for coming out to our Family Fiesta event with the last week.

We celebrated the closing of the museum's exhibition, “Let Us Gather In A Flourishing Way” from inspiring artist Justin Favela, and had a fun, free cookout too! I’m proud to have secured state funding that helped bring this exhibition to Buffalo and know that every dollar we invest in the arts is repaid tenfold.

08/22/2026

Gorgeous evening for a movie night in Riverside Park with Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy!

Terrific crowd came out to watch Up! under the stars. We didn't bring nearly enough balloons to lift a house off the ground, but definitely something to shoot for next time 😁

08/20/2026

When a school district is facing financial instability, internal conflict, allegations of misconduct, and concerns raised by its own elected board members, the status quo is no longer acceptable. I believe state intervention is necessary in the Buffalo Public Schools.

A State Monitor will help ensure that decisions are made transparently, that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly, and that the focus returns to where it belongs, which is the classroom.

08/14/2026