Saratoga Partnership to create economic development plan for Ballston Spa
BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. >> The Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, a Saratoga County-based economic development organization, announced it has begun working with government, business and community leaders in Ballston Spa to develop a customized economic development plan that will help guide future growth in the village.
The effort is part of the Saratoga Partnership’s rapidly expanding Next Wave Communities initiative, through which the agency is creating tailored economic development plans that harness the individual strengths and assets of a municipality, address current needs and challenges, and create a road map to pursue new opportunities.
The Saratoga Partnership is currently leading similar efforts in the towns of Moreau, Galway and Malta.
The initial step in the process, now underway, is the launch of a survey designed to assess the community’s vision for Ballston Spa, identify both the advantages and obstacles to success, and seek ways to foster collaboration in crafting the plan.
Residents, business owners, elected officials and other stakeholders are encouraged to complete the survey, which is available online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ XRZF9FL.
“We are excited to work closely with the Saratoga Partnership to create a blueprint that will guide the economic vision of our historic and charming village for years to come,” said Larry Woolbright, Mayor of the Village of Ballston Spa. “From our friendly hometown atmosphere and destination shopping and eateries to the visible sense of community, we know that Ballston Spa is a special place.
“We look forward to involving people throughout the village in shaping a strategy that will enhance our strengths and encourage future investment and growth.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with government and community leaders, business owners and residents to develop an intelligent, proactive plan that addresses Ballston Spa’s current needs and supports its future aspirations,” said Marty Vanags, President of the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership. “We are encouraged by the spirit of collaboration and energized by the opportunity to lend our experience and expertise to ensure a successful outcome.”
The Saratoga Partnership will lead a series of activities to facilitate development of a comprehensive economic development plan, including interviews with key government, business and community stakeholders; meetings with village officials to identify and map key strategic assets; and the convening of a workshop to develop a thorough SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis specific to Ballston Spa, which will include the presentation of three-, five- and 10-year economic development scenarios.
Following the conclusion of the process, the Saratoga Partnership will provide a written economic development plan that outlines and supports a collective vision for the village. The document will define goals and objectives, share the results of the SWOT analysis, recommend opportunities for collaboration, provide links to resources, and recommend next steps.
Implementation of the plan will be conducted jointly by the Saratoga Partnership and the Village of Ballston Spa.