New York State Assembly Member Crystal Peoples-Stokes has been one of the staunchest proponents of UB 2020 since its inception. She is especially cognizant of the impact that the plan holds for her district, a diverse section of Buffalo’s East Side Buffalo that includes UB’s Downtown Campus.

Peoples-Stokes has acknowledged UB 2020 as “the perfect opportunity to invest in infrastructure and development projects that allow the creation of jobs, boost the local economy and attract high-quality professionals and business leaders integral to positive growth.

“UB 2020 is a catalyst that can keep our children and grandchildren home instead of migrating to other urban communities for more promising futures.”

“The Western New York delegation and I are united in the vision of UB continuing to grow as a great public research institution that would not only expand our knowledge base, but also help redevelop a long-neglected community located in the 141st Assembly district.”

In support of the vision, Peoples-Stokes led efforts to secure a state allocation of $26 million for a new home for UB’s Educational Opportunity Center on its Downtown Campus. She also was instrumental in securing a $20 million state grant for UB’s Institute for Healthcare Informatics at 921 Main St., which also is being supported by a $15 million gift by computer giant Dell.

“This is a season for change,” says the assemblywoman.