The Public Good

Hosted by Partnership for the Public Good

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to The Public Good, a weekly podcast and radio show brought to you by Partnership for the Public Good. We invite PPG partners, elected officials, and other local leaders to discuss community issues and uplift events and initiatives. The show is recorded and produced by Crews Control Media and uploaded by Partnership for the Public Good. It also airs weekly on WUFO-Power 96.5 FM/Mix1080AM.

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60 recent

August 26, 202645 min

Food Apartheid in Buffalo: The Fight for the Good Food NY Bill

Lowest bidder wins. That's the rule for public food purchases in New York. It's why school cafeterias and public institutions end up buying processed food from big out-of-state corporations instead of local farms. In this episode of The Public Good, host Dejia James of Partnership for the Public Good (PPG) is joined by Ms. Della Miller and Jessica Gilbert Overland of the Good Food Buffalo Coalition for a deep dive into the fight for food justice in New York State and right here in Buffalo. They break down the Good Food New York Bill, legislation that would let public institutions spend up to 10% more to prioritize local economies, nutrition, animal welfare, environmental sustainability, racial equity, a valued workforce, and a valued agricultural sector. The bill passed both houses in 2024 and was vetoed. It passed again in 2026, and the coalition is now pushing for the governor's signature. They also talk about why Buffalo needs a centralized Office of Food Systems and Urban Agriculture to end the runaround residents face just trying to access a vacant lot or report a sanitation issue, and why "food apartheid" is the more honest term than "food desert." These aren't accidents. They're the result of policy choices. In this episode: The history and goals of the Good Food New York Bill Why racial equity is central to food procurement reform What an Office of Food Systems and Urban Agriculture would do for Buffalo Food apartheid vs. food desert: why language matters

August 10, 202645 min

Decades of Neglect: Inside Buffalo's Public Housing Crisis | The Public Good Podcast

Mold. No heat. Crumbling infrastructure. Residents of Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority properties have been living in these conditions for decades — and the people in charge have largely looked the other way. In this episode of The Public Good, host Dejia James of Partnership for the Public Good (PPG) is joined by community activist Nate Boyd and organizer John Washington, co-founder of the National Tenant Union Federation, for a candid and powerful conversation on the ongoing crisis inside BMHA public housing. They trace the roots of public housing segregation and redlining, document the harrowing conditions residents face today, and detail their months-long fight to hold the BMHA executive director and Buffalo's Common Council accountable — with more action on the way. 🎙️ The Public Good Podcast, brought to you by Partnership for the Public Good, centers conversations with leaders and changemakers working toward a more just, equitable Buffalo.

June 4, 202645 min

The Community Fighting to Reclaim the 33 | Parkway Pivot | The Public Good Podcast

When the Kensington Expressway was built in the 1960s, it didn't just bring a highway to Buffalo's East Side — it destroyed Humboldt Parkway, one of Frederick Law Olmsted's crown jewels, and displaced an entire community. Decades later, East Side residents are still fighting to get it back.In this episode of The Public Good, host Dejia James of Partnership for the Public Good (PPG) sits down with Indy Walton, Eddie Quartain, and Mama Barr of the East Side Parkways Coalition — the grassroots group that successfully sued the Department of Transportation to restart the planning process for the 33. Together, they break down what full restoration of Humboldt Parkway would mean for the neighborhood, what's really happening inside those community "listening" sessions, and why accountability from elected officials is long overdue.🎙️ The Public Good Podcast, brought to you by Partnership for the Public Good, centers conversations with leaders and changemakers working toward a more just, equitable Buffalo.▶️ Subscribe for more conversations shaping the future of Western New York.

March 26, 202645 min

What’s Really Holding Families Back in Buffalo? | Economic Mobility | The Public Good Podcast

In this episode of The Public Good, host Dejia James of Partnership for the Public Good (PPG) is joined by Sherri Scavone, CEO of the WNY Women’s Foundation, and LuAnne Brown, Executive Director of the Buffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Network, for an in-depth conversation on the systemic barriers impacting women, families, and workforce participation across Western New York.They discuss how childcare costs, transportation challenges, wage gaps, and limited access to education continue to restrict upward mobility, especially for women of color and low income families. The conversation highlights how these issues are deeply connected, shaping health outcomes, economic stability, and long term opportunity. The episode also spotlights a community-driven solution: the Strong Families, Strong Futures Workforce Development Expo, taking place April 14 from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center. This free, public event connects community members to job training programs, educational opportunities, and career pathways—while also providing critical support services to help individuals take the next step toward economic mobility.Learn more about Strong Families, Strong Futures Workforce Development Expo | April 14 | 10 AM – 1 PM | Buffalo Educational Opportunity CenterBe sure to like, comment, and subscribe to PPGBuffalo and The Public Good on Youtube or wherever you get your podcasts to stay connected to more conversations shaping the future of Western New York.

February 25, 202645 min

Political Reckoning: The State of the Black Community in Buffalo

What is the threat we face in America and beyond our borders? Following yesterday’s State of the Union, Dr. Taylor brings us a nuanced, factual and reality based perspective on the true state of our Union. In the latest episode of The Public Good Podcast, Dr. Taylor offers a powerful critique of racist authoritarianism in the United States, explores the challenges facing Black leadership, and explains how federal policy decisions shape local neighborhoods. The conversation is both a call to action and a roadmap for building a more just and equitable society rooted in community control and collective responsibility. The Public Good Podcast, brought to you by Partnership for the Public Good, centers conversations with leaders and changemakers working toward a more just, equitable Buffalo.

January 15, 202636 min

What’s Next for the 33/Kensington Expressway? | Queen City Forward

The Kensington Expressway (33) project is back at a pivotal moment.In this episode of The Public Good Podcast, host Dejia Marie James of the Partnership for the Public Good (PPG) speaks with Taje Jenkins-Jones and Ryan Whalen from the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) about the future of the Route 33 project following a court-ordered pause for additional environmental review.The conversation covers DOT’s current community listening sessions, the importance of public input, and how a more transformative, community-centered approach can address safety, traffic, and neighborhood impact without rushing the process. Learn more: https://queencityforward.dot.ny.gov/ Queen City Forward Facebook

November 5, 202548 min

The Rise of Democratic Socialism: Buffalo DSA on a Working-Class Movement

The Public Good Podcast is joined by Alok Pinto and Taylor from Buffalo DSA to discuss the moment of democratic socialism and its growing influence in American elections.They explore the ideological differences between liberalism and democratic socialism, the importance of class analysis in addressing systemic oppression, and why the Democratic Party has struggled to meet working-class needs. The conversation also highlights the promise and challenges of democratic socialist campaigns—like Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral bid in New York City—and what a working-class movement could mean for the future of our communities.

October 29, 202533 min

Culture, Language, & Belonging Through Art in Buffalo

This week, The Public Good explores how steep shifts in federal immigration policy are affecting Buffalo Niagara’s immigrant communities. Guests Hagar Hafez, Merveilles Biende Katumba, and Anna Porter from the New York Immigration Coalition discuss how fear and uncertainty ripple through families—and how community, culture, and art can help rebuild trust and connection. The episode highlights “ The Home Within ,” a cultural celebration of language and identity taking place October 30 at the Buffalo History Museum, featuring poetry, music, and food that honor immigrant resilience and belonging. Tune in for a conversation on language access, cultural expression, and the power of art to overcome isolation and foster empathy.

October 15, 202542 min

Buffalo’s Political Shift—Rewriting the Rules | Buffalo in Transition

The Public Good explores the importance of local elections and why youth and community engagement are key to shaping Buffalo’s future. Guests Fatima Nor, Leighton Jones, and LeMoyne Hill — representing LOLA Buffalo, Our City Buffalo, and Great for Life — share their insights on the urgent need for youth representation, more community centers, and community input on major developments like the proposed police training facility in Broadway-Fillmore. The discussion also dives into the upcoming Board of Education and mayoral elections, the effort to reopen Buffalo’s City Charter, and calls for accessible meetings, term limits, and stronger civic education to ensure residents have a real voice in local government. From challenging systemic disinvestment to inspiring youth leadership, this conversation is a powerful reminder that change starts with showing up — and that Buffalo’s next chapter depends on empowering its young people to build a more just, equitable, and community-centered city. Learn More / Get Involved: LOLA Buffalo: lolabuffalo.org Our City Buffalo: ourcitybuffalo.com

September 17, 202545 min

Who Pays for Art? The Case for Public Investment | Buffalo in Transition

Join Tiffany Gaines of the Burchfield Penney Art Center , Heather Gring of Frontline Arts Buffalo , Emma Brittain-Hardy of Locust Street Art , and host Dejia James for a conversation on the importance of arts funding and community engagement in Buffalo, New York. Together, they highlight the critical role that the arts play in strengthening community health, fostering youth development, and contributing to economic stability. The discussion underscores the urgent need for public investment in the arts, with particular attention to frontline organizations built by and for underserved communities. The guests reflect on the impact of federal budget cuts, the importance of sustaining local arts programs, and the necessity of paying artists fairly for their work.