STW Affiliations

Southern Tier Enterprise Development Organization (STEDO)

Southern Tier Extentsion Railroad Authority (STERA)

STW Services

Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board has provided its member governments with technical assistance, planning expertise, and opportunities for regional collaboration.
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Our work focuses on economic development, environmental planning, and geographic information systems (GIS), while also supporting a variety of federal, state, and local initiatives that address regional needs.
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Serving Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties, Southern Tier West provides technical assistance, grant development, planning, and project support to local governments, nonprofit organizations, and community partners, helping strengthen the region and improve quality of life.

Learn more about offered services below.

Technical assistance

STW provides technical assistance through a majority of its services, including website maintenance, records management, ARC and EDA grant funding.

Training

​Through the Local Government Program, Southern Tier West offers training to assist municipal officials in learning about their job duties, and to receive required continuing education credits.

We host Powers & Duties of Newly Elected Officials in March, Annual Local Government Conference in June, and Fall Planning & Zoning Training in October/November.

We will also work with muncipalities to schedule any other requested trainings.

local government

Through our Local Government Program, Southern Tier West (STW) partners with local businesses and municipalities to create meaningful, lasting impact throughout our communities.

STW is dedicated to supporting 124 town and villages across a diverse range of areas, including community and economic development, community planning, data and information services, environmental and energy planning, regional services, local food systems, local government and community assistance, and water source management

Corporate Partnership Program
Through our Corporate Partnership Program, local businesses play an important role in advancing this mission. Their support helps STW expand its reach, strengthen our programs and services, and promote the long-term sustainability and vitality of the communities, people, and causes we serve.
By partnering with STW, businesses have the opportunity to invest directly in the region and help build stronger, more resilient communities.

Community Assistance Program (CAP)
​As part of our Local Government Program, the Community Assistance Program (CAP) provides municipalities throughout Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua Counties with shared services, technical assistance, and practical guidance to help local governments operate more effectively and efficiently.

CAP is built on a shared-services model, enabling municipalities to work together to access training, expertise, and resources that may otherwise be difficult or costly to provide independently.

Through this collaborative approach, Southern Tier West leverages federal, state, and regional funding and resources to deliver reliable, professional assistance directly to local officials when they need it most.
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By bringing communities together and connecting them with the resources and expertise they need, CAP helps strengthen local government, improve efficiency, and support the long-term success of communities across the Southern Tier.

economic development

STW was designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) as the Economic Development District (EDD) for the southern tier west region. STW provides a conduit for accessing matching federal economic developments funds for job-creating projects.

By acting on behalf of the region's three counties, the STWRPDB reduces the administrative costs of regional grant applications and conduct the following primary acvities:
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• Prepares and maintains the Southern Tier West Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and assists with its implementation. EDDs are required to fully update the CEDS every five years, and STWPPDB updates the CEDS on an annual basis.​
• Provides technical assistance to local governments and economic development organizationa on their economic development activities, programs, and grant applications.

CLEAN ENERGY COMMUNITIES

Southern Tier West is a driving regional progress through the Clean Energy Communities NYS Program, empowering local governments in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua Counties with strategic clean energy actions, grant funding, and technical support.

STW provides hands-on coordinator support, helping municipal officials understand funding opportunities, complete program milestones, and access free technical assistance.  Collaboration with NYSERDA and Cornell Cooperative Extension ensures that municipalities receive current resources for solar projects, battery storage initiatives, and energy-efficient upgrades, enabling communities to navigate emerging technologies and maximize federal incentives still available under the Inflation Reduction Act in 2025.

View CEC Regional Accomplishments

climate smart communities

​NYS Climate Smart Communities Program is led by NYS DEC with state agency partners, who support municipalities with tools to cut emissions, adapt to climate change, and boost energy efficiency. NYSCSC also offers technical support, recognition, and grant opportunities. Towns begin by passing  a pledge and working toward certification by completing climate actions., 

​Southern Tier West's role is to help with task force formation, emissions inventories, and documentation, and guiding local governments through the CSC process and connect them to Clean Energy Communities resources and state support. Efforts include education, outreach, and project coordination. For more information on CSC view climatesmart.ny.gov.

Southern Tier West is active in every CSC certification stage, assisting with: pledge resolutions, task force creations, emissions inventories and risk assessments, climate action plan development, and securing and managing CSC grants.

View STW's Climate Smart Communities Page

geographic information systems

This program is undergoing construction.

water source management

​STWRPDB plays a vital role in supporting Water Management Initiatives in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua Counties. Through Section 604(b) of the Clean Water Act, Southern Tier West collaborates with local governments, state agencies, and community partners to ensure safe and sustainable water resources for residents and businesses across the region.

​Our goals include: 

• Investing in smart infrastructure upgrades and innovative treatment methods to address contaminants and aging systems.​
• Supporting flood mitigation projects and drought response planning, protecting communities from climate-related risks.​
• Leveraging state and federal funding opportunities to relieve the financial burden on local taxpayers while sustaining safe water access for all residents.​

View STW's Water Source Management Accomplishments