The Allegany County Board of Legislature adopted a five-year strategic plan for Economic Development on Feb.14, 2024.  This Plan serves as a framework for achieving the Legislative mission of improving economic development in Allegany County. This plan reflects input from quantitative and qualitative data analysis, local and regional stakeholder engagement, and best practices in rural economic development. Debra Root, District III Legislator and Chair of the Planning and Economic Development Committee points out that “This has been a long time in the making  and gives us a road map that all county, local, and regional partners can utilize in the collaboration for our present and long-term economic development success here in Allegany County.”

The plan includes a situational assessment resulting from the research and engagement phases of the planning process, and strategies and action maps for nine areas to concentrate on.

 These nine areas are:

• Local and Regional Collaboration
• Industry Engagement
• Marketing
• Opportunity Sectors
• Workforce
• Site Development
• Community Assets
• Capacity and Management
• Economic Development Expertise

The plan is available at: www.alleganyco.gov/economic-development/.

Each of these areas has clearly defined initiatives and identified actions that the County, local and regional partners can utilize in the collaboration of their efforts to improve the economic development landscape here in Allegany County.  Some highlights of the plan include:

Attracting business growth in target sectors. We have unique resources for drawing ceramics, glass and applied materials research and development.

Supporting Allegany County businesses through collaborative efforts with existing local organizations and regional service providers. i.e. working with the Chambers of Commerce, Regional Economic Development funding resources, IncubatorWorks, ACCORD Small Business Services, and JCC Small Business Development Center.

Expanding collaboration between workforce development partners and economic developers to retain, attract, and advance workers in Allegany County.

Establishing consistent marketing and communications that support the County’s economic development.

Preparing sites and pursing investments that attract new business or expansion opportunities.

Supporting places and events that attract economic opportunity for businesses and community members.

Creating a new economic development organizational structure that avoids duplication, eliminates brand/role confusion, has efficiency of resources and builds partnerships and collaboration.

As part of our local and regional collaboration, Cuba Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting our first event to bring local businesses and service providers together for a County-wide Business Mixer at the Palmer House in Cuba on March 26, 2024. This event will begin at 4:30 pm and concludes at 6 pm. The event includes panel discussion on opportunities and successful use of funding resources.

 Please email Mallory.Short@AlleganyCo.gov to RSVP to the event.

About Allegany County

Centrally located among the major cities of the Northeast, Allegany County, NY is closer than you think. Our interstate highway access and close geographic proximity to 51% of the U.S. and Canadian population is only eclipsed by our high-quality workforce. If you think New York State means high costs, let Allegany County surprise you – we offer nationally competitive operating costs, a cost of living that is 23.7% lower than the national average, three nationally-ranked colleges, and an unexpected wealth of skilled blue-collar labor; the only real surprise is that you aren’t doing business here yet. 

www.alleganyco.gov