Barbara Buffaloe

Barbara Buffaloe. An American sustainability professional and politician serving as the mayor of Columbia, Missouri since 2022. A member of the Democratic Party, she was first elected to the Columbia City Council in 2018 and previously served as the city's first sustainability manager. Her administration focuses on climate action, infrastructure, and economic development.

Early life and education

Barbara Buffaloe was born in St. Louis and grew up in the nearby suburb of Manchester. She developed an early interest in environmental science, which led her to pursue higher education at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Buffaloe earned a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife and a Master of Science in Human Environmental Sciences from the same institution. Her graduate research focused on sustainable community development and energy conservation, laying the groundwork for her future career in municipal sustainability and policy.

Career

Before entering elected office, Buffaloe built a career focused on environmental sustainability and community planning. She served as the first sustainability manager for the city of Columbia, a position created under then-Mayor Bob McDavid. In this role, she was instrumental in developing and implementing the city's first Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Prior to her municipal work, she held positions with the University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, where she worked on energy efficiency programs and outreach. Her professional background also includes consulting for various nonprofits and educational initiatives across the Midwest.

Mayor of Columbia

Barbara Buffaloe was elected Mayor of Columbia, Missouri in the April 2022 municipal election, succeeding Mayor Brian Treece. She took office on July 1, 2022, after having served as a member of the Columbia City Council representing the city's Sixth Ward since 2018. As mayor, she presides over city council meetings and represents Columbia at regional bodies like the Missouri Municipal League and the Mid-America Regional Council. Key early actions of her tenure included advancing the implementation of the city's American Rescue Plan Act funding and pushing for updates to the city's comprehensive plan, known as Columbia Imagined. Her election continued a trend of Democratic leadership in the city's nonpartisan elections.

Political positions and initiatives

Mayor Buffaloe's political platform is centered on climate resilience, infrastructure investment, and equitable growth. She is a strong proponent of the city's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, which sets goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing renewable energy use. She has advocated for significant investments in stormwater management and improvements to the city's wastewater treatment systems. On economic development, she supports partnerships with organizations like the Regional Economic Development Inc. and the University of Missouri to foster innovation and workforce housing. Buffaloe has also been active in supporting public transportation enhancements through the city's agency, Go COMO, and promoting pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure projects.

Personal life

Barbara Buffaloe lives in Columbia with her husband and their two children. She is an active member of the local community, having volunteered with organizations such as the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture and the PedNet Coalition, which advocates for trail networks and active transportation. In her personal time, she enjoys gardening, hiking on local trails like the MKT Trail, and participating in community events throughout Boone County.

Category:Mayors of Columbia, Missouri Category:University of Missouri alumni Category:21st-century American politicians