Senate Resolution No. 3141

BY: Senator KENNEDY

COMMENDING Aaron Bartley upon the occasion of
stepping down after 13 years of distinguished
service as Executive Director of People United for
Sustainable Housing, Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality of life in the communities across this great State of New
York is enriched by the diligence and compassionate commitment of those
individuals whose singular purpose is the care and welfare of others;
and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Aaron Bartley upon the occasion of stepping down after 13 years
of distinguished service as Executive Director of People United for
Sustainable Housing, Inc.; his official last day will be on August 1,
2018; and

WHEREAS, A visionary leader, Aaron Bartley is synonymous with People
United for Sustainable Housing, Inc. (PUSH Buffalo); he will fondly be
remembered for his tenacity, compassion and boundless energy; and

WHEREAS, A native of Buffalo, New York, Aaron Bartley was an
exceptional student at City Honors High School; after graduation, he
attended Swathmore College and then Harvard Law School; and

WHEREAS, While a student in Boston, Massachusetts, Aaron Bartley
co-founded the Harvard Living Wage Campaign, where he was instrumental
in negotiating $10 million in annual wage and benefit increases for
low-income campus workers; and

WHEREAS, In 2005, Aaron Bartley returned to his hometown and
co-founded PUSH Buffalo, a membership-based community organization
dedicated to affordable housing, equitable jobs and ecological
sustainability for the West Side of Buffalo; during this time, he also
held the position of Interim Director of Massachusetts Avenue Project
(MAP); and

WHEREAS, Under Aaron Bartley's luminous leadership, PUSH Buffalo
directed $40 million to West Side development investments, provided $200
million in resources for weatherization and green infrastructure,
implemented a green building program, provided a workforce training
program for construction jobs in the community, and established a
community center and program on Grant Street and soon to be completed,
Plymouth Avenue; and

WHEREAS, Aaron Bartley also wrote thought-provoking editorials about
the challenges facing the Rust Belt communities with the Huffington
Post; and

WHEREAS, In the faithful performance of his duties and
responsibilities, Aaron Bartley's ongoing efforts and notable

achievements have significantly contributed to bettering the quality of
life in his community; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his work with PUSH Buffalo, Aaron Bartley
was a vital member of multiple boards and councils, most notably the
Western New York Regional Economic Development Council which administers
the Buffalo Billion Plan; and

WHEREAS, After stepping down, Aaron Bartley will remain a vital part
of his beloved Buffalo community; he looks forward to becoming a
stay-at-home dad, caring for his growing family, and plans on writing a
book about community organizing in the United States; and

WHEREAS, An avid collector of mid-century modern furniture, Aaron
Bartley also hopes to open a pop-up shop with books and furniture at the
end of 2018; and

WHEREAS, Aaron Bartley continuously displayed initiative and an
unrelenting commitment when pursuing the highest of goals, and he has
served as a role model of leadership to be emulated by all; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Aaron Bartley upon the occasion of stepping down after 13 years
of distinguished service as Executive Director of People United for
Sustainable Housing, Inc.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Aaron Bartley.