ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL MEETS
Group discussed downtown revitalization efforts throughout region
ALBANY, N.Y. » The Capital Region Economic Development Council held a mid-summer meeting on Thursday, bringing together local leaders to discuss ongoing programs.
This public-private partnership council is one of 10 across the state, established in 2011 by Governor Andrew Cuomo, with the task of developing long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions.
In the past several years, these councils have redefined the way New York state invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based approach and establishing a competitive process for state resources.
After six rounds of the CREDC process, billions of dollars have been awarded around the state, spurring job creation and community development projects consistent with each region’s strategic plans.
The CREDC is now in its seventh round, collecting consolidated funding applications for projects around the eightcounty region, which includes Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren and Wash-
ington counties.
The council’s current focus is extensive outreach efforts in all of these areas. Co-chair James Stellar of the University at Albany, who leads the council along with James Barba of Albany Medical Center, told members at the meeting to encourage any potential applicants to subnit an application, as a larger pool should result in a stronger range of candidates and projects.
Empire State Development regional director Michael Yevoli said the council is expecting a lot of applications for this round of funding. “We’re very busy,” he said at Thursday’s public meeting, noting that he’s feeling good about the process this round. “There’s a lot of interest this year.”
The council’s other major point of discussion was the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, which is now in its second round.
Governor Cuomo introduced this new initiative in spring of 2016, and the state invested $100 million in 10 downtown communities to unlock dormant potential in ways that create and propel the resurgence of urban areas throughout the state.
Among the 10 downtowns chosen last year was Glens Falls, the CREDC’s recommendation. Edward Bartholomew of the Economic Development Corp. in Warren County attended the meeting, expressing his appreciation to the council members. He said the community is anxious to start implementing the projects to improve the downtown district in Glens Falls.
Desired downtown attributes that the council seeks for this initiative are well-defined boundaries, recent or impending job growth, an attractive physical environment, quality of life policies, readiness, past investments and future potential.
This year, applications were submitted for six downtowns in the Capital Region. The CREDC’s deadline for submitting a Round II recommendation is Friday, July 14, but its choice and information about the project will not be made public at that time.
As this is the second round, the process and subsequent projects are expected to move faster than the previous round, Yevoli said.
For more information on the Regional Council initiative and the Capital Region Economic Development Council, including details on the consolidated funding application process, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov.