Byron Brown will be resigning as mayor of Buffalo in the coming weeks to become the next president and CEO of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation, he announced Monday.

Brown, 66, accepted the position after the OTB board of directors held a meeting in Batavia and voted to approve his contract last Thursday. Board Chair Dennis Bassett says Brown’s contract will pay him $295,000 annually.

"My decision to resign and take on a new opportunity was not an easy one after nearly two decades as mayor,” Brown said at a news conference. “I have loved serving the people of Buffalo as mayor, but (my wife) Michelle and I think the time is right to transition to a new role.”

Brown, a Democrat, is the longest-serving mayor in city history, holding office since 2006.

"Over the past two decades, we’ve transformed Buffalo together — revitalizing our waterfront, growing our economy, improving our infrastructure and building a stronger, more inclusive community," Brown added.

Buffalo Common Council President Chris Scanlon will become acting mayor, as per the City Charter. He will hold the position throughout the entirety of 2025, fulfilling Brown's term. 

"I could not be more humbled or more honored to lead the city of Buffalo," said Scanlon. "[It's] a city I love so dearly [and] a city in which my wife and I chose to raise our family in. And I want every resident in every corner of the city to rest assured knowing that we will work every day to ensure that you are well served and well represented.”