BUFFALO, N.Y. — Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz delivered his 2024 State of the County address Wednesday.

In his speech, the Democrat touted several successes over the past year.  

Of note was Erie County's ambulance service, which is now up and running in nearly a dozen rural communities.  

Millions of dollars have been invested into affordable housing countywide. Most notably, the Commodore Perry Homes in Buffalo’s First Ward neighborhood are in the process of getting demolished to make way for new, up-to-date affordable housing.  

Poloncarz spent $5 million on new snow clearing equipment this past year. He also has created a winter storm fund, which contains $5 million set aside for future storm-related expenses.

And a steel outline of the new home of the Buffalo Bills can be seen forming along Abbott Road in Orchard Park.

Erie County has contributed $250 million toward the project.

It is the county's final direct expense toward the stadium, with the state taking ownership once it's completely built.

"Our goal has been to create the best community we can be and to leave the county in better shape than when we started, not by just providing essential services but by improving everyone's quality of life,” Poloncarz said. “By supporting everything from parks, small businesses, to accessible health care and more, I know we are building a better Erie County every day.”