BUFFALO, N.Y. — An era has ended in the city of Buffalo.

The city's longest serving mayor, Byron Brown, officially resigned Tuesday morning.

Over nearly two decades, Brown rarely delved publicly into his own personal life. However, in his farewell speech Tuesday, Brown shared in 2004, a year before winning his first of an unprecedented five mayoral elections, the now 66-year-old was diagnosed with and beat prostate cancer.

"Probably less than 10 people knew about that ordeal, but again, the thing that kept me going was love for our community, love for the people of Buffalo and the inspiration and strength that I draw from this community every single day," he said.

Love, respect and gratitude for constituents and staff were the themes of Brown's address. He will start Wednesday as the president and CEO of Western Regional Off-Track Betting.

In that job, Brown will make at least $295,000 annually, however he says the primary reason for his career change is to spend more time with his young grand niece and grand nephew who he and his wife are helping to raise.

"I think back to my years of service and the times that I might not have been there for my own son," Brown said. "I don't want to have that happen again in the lives of these children."

He is leaving a city dealing with a budget deficit the city's control board estimates is $10 million to $15 million. Brown said there are financial needs but no crisis, as some have described it.

"Buffalo will be just fine," he said. "If everyone does what they're supposed to do, Buffalo will be just fine and there is no fiscal crisis in the city of Buffalo."

He officially submitted his resignation to the city clerk, which took effect at 9 a.m. with Common Council President Chris Scanlon immediately assuming the duties of acting mayor. Scanlon said he is prepared for the challenge and has already met with all of the city departments to discuss operations, including ways to address those fiscal concerns.

"There's things that I want to do to address it," Scanlon said. "You hear some people talk about making cuts, some people talk about the revenues. I think it's got to be both. I don't think you close this gap on one side of the equation. It's got to be both."

“Congratulations to Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon as he begins his tenure leading my beloved hometown," New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said. "Serving on the Buffalo Common Council for more than a decade, he's demonstrated his commitment to this City and his dedication to its  extraordinary people. We both know that Buffalo's success is critical to the success of the entire Western New York region, and I look forward to a productive working relationship with Acting Mayor Scanlon as we work to support the city we love."