CEDS Action Plan

About

Engagement

Background & SWOT

Action Plan

Evaluation

Conclusion

Data Visuals

Full PDF Plan

Southwestern New York State
Economic Plan

Charting A Course for Regional Prosperity 2023-2028

Natural Environment

Provide increased environmental planning and grant writing assistance to communities to develop best practices
Convene stakeholders regularly to use a regional approach for land mapping, land use and strategic planning
Prioritize source water protection and water management including flood water planning and weather resilience measures
Promote regional collaborative approach to developing practices for invasive plant management
Support development of low-impact ecotourism and outdoor recreation economies

Business & Industry

Create regional data collection and communication between business, higher education, and economic development stakeholders
Prioritize brownfields mapping and reuse planning across the region and support the development of shovel-ready sites
Support businesses in becoming employers of choice that can provide what workers in 2023 are seeking
Develop an entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports small business creation with skill building workshops, mentorship, coworking spaces, makers spaces and business incubators
Prioritize business succession planning across the region
Capitalize on potential of visitor industry with investments in infrastructure, regional marketing strategies, and maximizing waterways and trails

Built Environment

Invest in public and private infrastructure, including water management, roadways, grid upgrades, and downtown revitalization projects
Prioritize infrastructure for public transit and for efficient low-emissions individual transportation including EV charging stations
Develop the region's infrastructure workforce to meet increasing need
Develop a regional plan to make improvements to housing stock quality and reduce blight
Continue to expand broadband access as a fundamental support for equitable economic development

Human Capital

Attract new talent to the region with emphasis on possibility of remote work, low cost of living, outdoor opportunities
Form partnerships to develop and retain talent within the region's high schools, creating more job shadowing, certifications, internships and credit-bearing opportunities for youth
Increase workforce development overall and especially in areas of high need, including caregiving of the elderly, health care, small business development, manufacturing and agriculture
Prioritize child care and elder care access as critical supports for supporting the workforce
Prioritize public transit options as critical supports for the region's workforce
Prioritize health and prevent chronic disease for healthy workforce

Vibrant Communities

Invigorate local food systems, increase supports for farm businesses and farmland protection
Prepare for the needs of the increasing aging population, develop capacity for aging in place
Support arts, history and cultural opportunities as necessities that attract and retain population
Prioritize need for EMS services, hospitals and health care access for a stable workforce
Prioritize the needs of youth, families, and young workers to attract and retain population, with emphasis on planning including NYS Complete Streets, Downtown Revitalization Initiative, New York Forward and other plans for walkable, bikeable communities and rejuvenated downtowns