Human Capital

Focus Group Meetings

Workforce concerns -- availability of workers, training them, retaining them -- topped the list of concerns for businesses in 2023. With the increasing number of people retiring and an increasing aging population, rural communities struggle to find enough workers. The region has a substantially larger percentage of the working population (ages 16-64) who are not working, compared to national averages. This might be due to early retirements, long-term disabilities (which are also higher than national averages), or other unknown factors. Companies need to "up the ante" to attract and retain staff, which is going to take creativity and ingenuity that the region can catalyze, promote, and share. Improving quality of life is critical to maintaining/increasing population and is covered in the following section on Vibrant Communities.
Strengths
natural environment, potential for healthy active lifestyle
Weaknesses
population decline, increasing aging population, poor infrastructure, lack of attractive housing options
Opportunities
attractive residential location for those who work remotely, new large employers locating here
Threats
global insecurity, attractive job markets elsewhere, loss of youth population
Objectives
  • Objective #1 Make talent attraction campaigns a top priority to increase the region's working population
  • Objective #2 Allocate more resources toward workforce development in growing sectors
  • Objective #3 Increase support systems for workers, including postsecondary education, public transit options, child care and elder care
  • Objective #4 Improve health measures to increase wellbeing and work capacity
​Population = 251,907
Population Growth Since 2010 = -5.0%
Population Change 2010 = -13,237
Growth in Working Age Population
-7.1%
StatsAmerica, using U.S. Census Bureau (ACS 5-year estimates) data
SOUTHERN TIER WEST
​Center for Regional Excellence
4039 Route 219, Suite 200
Salamanca, NY 14779

716-945-5301  
​Fax 716-945-5550

STW"s mission is to help coordinate and enhance planning and development activities in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua Counties so as to promote social, physical, and economic development in these counties. Southern Tier West seeks to improve the quality of life for the region's people and assure that the "people of the Southern Tier West region have access to adequate occupational, educational, and recreational opportunities; environment; health care services; housing; public safety; and transportation.
SOCIAL
Southern Tier West