BUILDING TACTICAL REVITALIZATION PLAN DOWNTOWN

COUNTYWIDE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN
CHEMUNG COUNTY, NEW YORK
Chemung County, located in New York State’s Southern Tier, is a predominately rural
county comprised of 11 towns, 5 villages, and one city, Elmira. Between 2000 and 2003,
Chemung County ranked 54th in population growth of New York State’s 63 counties. Like
most areas of New York State, it has seen changes in the vitality of different business sectors,
increased competition both nationally and internationally, and shifts in population
demographics impacting workforces.
Chemung County, through the leadership of the Southern Tier Economic Group, contracted
with the Laberge Group to conduct a planning process and ultimately create the Chemung
County Economic Development Plan. The intent behind the development of the Economic
Development Strategic Plan was focused primarily on three objectives:
Creating a plan that would reflect the needs, current priorities, and resources of the
County;
Identifying critical changes, challenges, and threats effecting the economy of the
County; and
Establishing an action plan that would effectively coordinate local efforts to improve
economic conditions and reduce the financial burden of the community.
Economic development has been defined as “creating and retaining community wealth
which results in jobs, payroll, tax revenues and a
higher per capita income”. The end result of economic
development efforts should be to support “themes’ became the primary focus of planning efforts:
In order to achieve success with these priorities, the following
and enhance the quality of life for citizens through Business Retention and Expansion
these criteria. The vision and purpose of this economic
development strategic plan is to position
Workforce Development
Downtown Revitalization
Chemung County, and ultimately the Twin Tiers
Business Development & Marketing
Region, as a preferred location for people to live
and for businesses to locate.
Community Resources & Promotion
To achieve this vision, the following priorities were identified which will differentiate Chemung
County from other communities by:
Having the lowest property tax rates in New York State, albeit the northeast and mid-
Atlantic region of the United States.
Developing a Workforce Development System that delivers a regional workforce with
skills in demand by area businesses.
Sustaining an economic development delivery system that prioritizes the retention of
businesses, complements existing business sectors, and promotes and supports entrepreneurs.
Establishing and promoting Chemung County as a preferred location to live by people
of every age, race, ethnic background, etc.
Reducing the cost of energy to residents and businesses.
STEG and the leadership of Chemung County see the Chemung County Economic Development
Plan as a document with focus and direction. Successful communities change and
adapt over time. So too should their economic development focus, plans, and strategies.
ENGINEERING ARCHITECTURE SURVEYING PLANNING
3.24
Albany Office
4 Computer Drive West
Dover, Albany, Kohl NY 12205 & Partners et al
(518) 458-7112 Fax: (518) 458-1879
clientservices@labergegroup.com
www.labergegroup.com
Utica Office
5718 Cavanaugh Road
Marcy, NY 13403
(315) 768-6220 Fax: January (518) 768-2432 11, 2013