Capital District Regional Economic Development Council

Capital District Regional Economic Development Council is a regional economic development agency that serves the Capital District region, which includes Albany County, Rensselaer County, Saratoga County, Schenectady County, and Warren County. The council is part of the New York State Regional Economic Development Councils initiative, launched by Andrew Cuomo, the Governor of New York, in 2011, in collaboration with Empire State Development, New York State Department of Labor, and New York State Department of Transportation. The council works closely with local organizations, such as the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce, Schenectady County Chamber of Commerce, and Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, to promote economic growth and development in the region.

Introduction

The Capital District Regional Economic Development Council is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive economic development strategy for the Capital District region, which is home to major institutions, including Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University at Albany, Siena College, and Skidmore College. The council's strategy focuses on key industries, such as nanotechnology, clean energy, and healthcare, and aims to create jobs, attract investment, and improve the overall quality of life in the region, in partnership with organizations like the Center for Economic Growth, Tech Valley, and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The council also works closely with local New York State Assembly and New York State Senate representatives, such as John McDonald and James Tedisco, to advocate for policies and programs that support economic development in the region.

History

The Capital District Regional Economic Development Council was established in 2011, as part of the New York State Regional Economic Development Councils initiative, which was launched by Andrew Cuomo to promote economic growth and development across the state, in collaboration with Kathleen Hochul, the Lieutenant Governor of New York. The council is one of ten regional councils established across the state, including the North Country Regional Economic Development Council, Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council, and Hudson Valley Regional Economic Development Council. Since its establishment, the council has worked to develop and implement a comprehensive economic development strategy for the Capital District region, in partnership with organizations like the Albany Medical Center, Ellis Hospital, and Saratoga Hospital.

Membership and Leadership

The Capital District Regional Economic Development Council is composed of local leaders and experts from various fields, including business, education, and government, such as Shirley Ann Jackson, the President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Havidán Rodríguez, the President of the University at Albany. The council is co-chaired by Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson and F. Michael Tucker, the President and CEO of the Center for Economic Growth, and includes members from organizations like the Albany County Legislature, Rensselaer County Legislature, and Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. The council also has a number of working groups and committees, focused on specific areas, such as workforce development, infrastructure development, and innovation and entrepreneurship, which work closely with organizations like the New York State Department of Education, New York State Department of Health, and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Initiatives and Projects

The Capital District Regional Economic Development Council has launched a number of initiatives and projects to promote economic growth and development in the region, in partnership with organizations like the National Grid, New York State Electric & Gas, and Verizon Communications. These initiatives include the Capital District Regional Economic Development Council's Strategic Plan, which outlines the council's vision and goals for the region, and the Tech Valley initiative, which aims to promote the growth of the technology and innovation sector in the region, in collaboration with organizations like the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies and the University at Albany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering. The council has also invested in a number of projects, including the Downtown Albany Revitalization Initiative, which aims to revitalize the downtown area of Albany, and the Saratoga Springs City Center project, which aims to develop a new city center in Saratoga Springs, in partnership with organizations like the City of Albany, City of Saratoga Springs, and Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency.

Economic Impact

The Capital District Regional Economic Development Council has had a significant economic impact on the Capital District region, with investments totaling over $100 million, in partnership with organizations like the Empire State Development Corporation, New York State Department of Economic Development, and New York State Office of Community Renewal. The council's initiatives and projects have created thousands of jobs, attracted new businesses and investment to the region, and improved the overall quality of life for residents, in collaboration with organizations like the Albany County Economic Development Corporation, Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, and Saratoga County Economic Development Corporation. The council's work has also helped to promote the region as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, with a growing number of startups and small businesses calling the region home, including companies like GlobalFoundries, IBM, and General Electric. Overall, the Capital District Regional Economic Development Council has played a critical role in promoting economic growth and development in the Capital District region, in partnership with organizations like the New York State Association of Counties, New York State Conference of Mayors, and New York State School Boards Association.

Category:New York (state) economic development