Senator April N.M. Baskin proudly represents the 63rd Senate District in a historic appointment as the first woman and Black woman to represent Buffalo, Cheektowaga, and Lackawanna. A lifelong Buffalonian and dedicated public servant, Senator Baskin has built her career on advancing economic equity, affordable housing, and systemic justice for underserved communities. Her experience as Chairwoman of the Erie County Legislature and her record of transformative achievements uniquely position her to deliver meaningful results for the residents of her district and across New York State.
Born and raised in Buffalo, Senator Baskin is a proud graduate of Buffalo Public Schools and earned her degree from Empire State College. She began her public service career in 2017, when she was elected to the Erie County Legislature. Upon being sworn into office in 2018, she was elected Majority Leader by her peers. In 2019, she made history as the youngest legislator and the first freshman ever to serve as Chairwoman of the Erie County Legislature, a position she held throughout her tenure.
During her time in the Legislature, Senator Baskin championed policies to address racial and economic inequities, strengthen infrastructure, and empower small businesses. As a Senator, she continues to fight for lasting opportunities and systemic reforms that uplift the residents of Buffalo, Cheektowaga, and Lackawanna.
One of her signature achievements as a county leader was the creation of the Erie County Urban Initiative Program, which invested over $13 million in capital funding into historically underserved communities, including Buffalo, Lackawanna, and Tonawanda. This program addressed infrastructure inequities and brought much-needed resources to neighborhoods that had long been overlooked. Senator Baskin also led efforts to secure $4.5 million for Jefferson Avenue housing and mixed-use developments following the May 14, 2022, terrorist attack in Buffalo. This funding revitalized the historic hub of Buffalo’s Black economy and laid the foundation for a stronger, more equitable future.
Senator Baskin has been a tireless advocate for affordable housing. She passed Erie County’s first-ever Affordable Housing Law, establishing a sustainable pathway for future funding and development of affordable housing projects. She also directed affordable housing funds to emerging developers in Buffalo, ensuring that smaller-scale projects led by underrepresented developers had the support needed to succeed.
In addition to her work on housing and infrastructure, Senator Baskin has been a champion for economic empowerment. During negotiations for the Buffalo Bills stadium deal in 2023, she secured Erie County’s historic first-ever NFL Community Benefits Agreement. This included a $100 million investment to support marginalized business owners and community development. Following this success, she launched the Level Up Initiative, a program designed to provide wraparound services and corporate contract opportunities for disadvantaged business owners, helping them scale their businesses and access new markets.
Senator Baskin’s legislative accomplishments extend beyond housing and economic development. She sponsored and passed the Erie County Language Access Act, ensuring critical government services are accessible through interpretation and translation for Erie County’s diverse population. She also authored the Office of Health Equity Act to address health disparities and improve outcomes for underserved populations. Additionally, she passed the Erie County Public Art Act to fund cultural and artistic projects that celebrate community diversity.
Her leadership and dedication have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition on the City & State Upstate Power 100 List, the Buffalo Business First Power Women 200 List, and as a Buffalo Business First Women of Purpose honoree (2023). She has also been honored by the Buffalo Urban League and the Buffalo Black Achievers organization for her long-standing commitment to equity and justice.
As a Senator, Baskin is committed to improving the lives of residents in the 63rd District. Her priorities include expanding affordable housing, creating economic opportunities, improving public safety through criminal justice reform, addressing health disparities, and supporting public art and culture. She brings a bold, results-driven approach to the New York State Senate, ensuring that the voices of her constituents are heard and their needs are met.
Senator Baskin remains deeply connected to the people and communities she serves. Her unwavering commitment to fairness, inclusion, and opportunity drives her work every day as she strives to create a more equitable and prosperous future for all New Yorkers.