UB to Host Polish Delegates Studying Local Governance

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Eighteen delegates from four national organizations in Poland that represent the interests of municipalities will visit the University at Buffalo on Monday, July 21, during a four-day stop in Buffalo as part of a two-week study tour of the United States.

The objective of the study tour is to allow the participants to interact with members of U.S. organizations and local government officials with similar interests and problems. They will be in Buffalo July 19-22.

On July 21, the delegates will attend a seminar on issues of local governance and regional cooperation organized by John B. Sheffer, II, UB interim vice president for public service and urban affairs. The seminar, to be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Center for Tomorrow on the North (Amherst) Campus, will include panel discussions on efforts in Western New York to develop regional cooperation and presentations on such issues as lobbying, research techniques and using technology to collect and distribute information.

The Polish officials, in turn, will discuss some of the challenges facing local governments in Poland and the steps being taken to meet those challenges.

Following the seminar, a reception will be held in the Center for Tomorrow.

During their visit to Buffalo, delegates also will tour Buffalo and surrounding suburbs, visit Niagara Falls and meet with such local officials as Buffalo Mayor Anthony Masiello and Erie County Executive Dennis Gorski.