Brian Higgins of Shea's Performing Arts Center
Brian Higgins has been a mainstay in Buffalo for decades. Even in his time in state and federal government, he was fighting to give Western New York the best opportunities to thrive. Now, as CEO and president of Shea's Performing Arts Center, the former congressperson comes back home to serve the community through the arts. Listen as Brian takes Dave from his humble beginnings in South Buffalo all the way to the nation's capital, and back again.
Brian Higgins' Early Life and Education
- Born and raised in South Buffalo, the second youngest of five.
- Father: Union bricklayer and Buffalo City Council member (1969–1978); Mother: Grammar school teacher.
- Earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Buffalo State College.
- Attended Harvard University for a Master’s in Administration and Policy in 1996—funded by a fellowship endowed by Bob Wilmers (former M&T Bank CEO) after Higgins initially deferred due to cost.
Political Career Highlights
- Elected to Buffalo City Council at age 25, then to the New York State Assembly, and later to the U.S. House of Representatives (2004–2023).
- Focused on transforming Buffalo rather than seeking national impact.
- Major legislative victory: $300 million settlement from the New York Power Authority used to redevelop Buffalo’s waterfront—leveraged during the relicensing of the Niagara Power Project.
- Advocated for and helped shape federal and state historic tax credits, instrumental in Buffalo’s downtown renaissance.
Leadership at Shea’s Performing Arts Center
- Took over as CEO in 2023, seeing Shea’s as both a cultural treasure and an economic catalyst for downtown Buffalo.
- Announced an ambitious $60 million capital improvement plan, including:
- $15M expansion to improve traffic flow and facilities
- Renovations at 710 Main and Shea’s Smith Theaters
- Development of artist lofts and digital signage across the theater district
- Stressed the economic multiplier effect of shows like The Lion King, which brought 68,000 attendees and $19 million in local spending.
Revitalizing Downtown Buffalo
- Emphasized Shea’s role in revitalizing the theater district as a vibrant, 24/7 destination.
- Working with local businesses, architects, and government to blend art, culture, and urban development.
- Plans include improved streetscapes, lighting, signage, and pedestrian engagement—drawing parallels to Times Square.
Reflections on Congress and Transition to Local Leadership
- Candid critique of Congressional dysfunction, citing gridlock, government shutdown threats, and wasted potential.
- Felt constrained as one of 435 in Congress; sought a more direct and tangible local impact.
- Now finds fulfillment in community-based leadership, where incremental progress is more achievable and visible.
Personal Values and Community Vision
- Strong ties to Buffalo’s neighborhoods and appreciation for its historical assets.
- Advocates for inclusive economic growth across all Buffalo communities.
- Inspired by Michael Shea’s original mission—creating accessible entertainment for working people.
- Describes himself as more introverted than most expect and passionate about world history and service.
- Teased a possible future book based on reflections from visits to nearly 100 countries during his congressional service.
Call to Action for the Business Community
- Encourages business leaders to engage with Shea’s capital campaign.
- Opportunities include naming rights and other contributions to support Shea’s as a pillar of Buffalo’s cultural and economic life.
- Reinforces that Shea’s is community-owned and its stewardship is a collective responsibility.