Regional Development Councils

Each Regional Council will meet as often as necessary to ensure that the completed initial five-year Strategic Plan is submitted by November 14, 2011. After submission, the Councils will meet as often as necessary to implement and update their Strategic Plans.

Membership: In addition to the Vice Chairs, the Regional Councils membership is drawn from a broad spectrum of regional stakeholders. Members will bring diversity in perspective, represent a variety of interests and ensure a holistic approach to the strategic planning process. Councils may bring additional stakeholders and economic development experts into the strategic planning process through issue-specific work groups on an as-needed basis. A premise of the Councils work is that no one knows each regions unique strengths and assets better than the people who live and work there. The strategic planning process will be driven by major stakeholders from each region who contribute to economic activity: private business, including small businesses; minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs); non-profit economic development organizations; chambers of commerce and trade organizations; organized labor; higher education; community-based organizations; and the agricultural community

Public Involvement: The public will be invited to provide feedback and input throughout the strategic planning process. Each Council will develop a plan to ensure public participation through outreach and community forums, as well as online. Regional Councils will only be effective when everyone comes together residents, public and private stakeholders, local organizations, businesses and universities to work towards a shared vision for a stronger community.

State Agency Involvement: ESD Regional Directors will serve as executive directors of each respective Regional Council. Other State agencies and authorities will be represented on each Regional Council including: Department of Agriculture & Markets Department of Environmental Conservation Department of Health Department of Labor Department of State Department of Taxation and Finance Department of Transportation Dormitory Authority of the State of New York Environmental Facilities Corporation New York Power Authority New York State Energy Research & Development Authority New York State Homes & Community Renewal Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation State Education Department Additional agencies and authorities with regional significance may also be included, such as the Adirondack Park Agency, the Long Island Power Authority, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the Niagara Greenway Committee, Hudson River Park Trust, the Hudson River Greenway Communities, and regional transit authorities.

The Regional Councils have five primary responsibilities: 1. Develop and maintain an initial five-year Strategic Plan for long-term, sustainable regional economic growth; 2. Coordinate economic development efforts within the region;

3. Leverage public and private resources; 4. Identify and eliminate obstacles to growth; 5. Implement performance measures to ensure long-term success.

Key Benchmarks: Task 1: Review purpose, work plan and timelines of the Council. Product: Shared understanding of Council purpose, work and timelines. Suggested time frame: Through August 10, 2011

Task 2: Implement public participation strategy to aid in development of the initial Strategic Plan. At least two public forums, in addition to Council meetings, will be held. Suggested time frame: Adoption of public participation plan: August 2 August 24, 2011 Execution of public participation plan: August 2 November 9, 2011

Task 3: Assess existing regional conditions and economic development issues and opportunities. Suggested time frame: August 2 August 24, 2011

Task 4: Develop a regional economic development vision statement. Suggested time frame: August 2 - October 5, 2011

Task 5: Determine strategies to advance priority economic development projects and to address critical issues. Suggested time frame: August 24 October 26, 2011

Task 6: Develop draft regional Strategic Plan. Assemble a draft of the initial Strategic Plan consistent with the Strategic Plan outline for public review and comment. The draft five-year Plan shall include, at a minimum, the following elements:

o Regional assessment of existing conditions, issues and opportunities; o A regional economic vision statement and refined list of issues and opportunities, including the principal economic drivers that must be addressed in detailed strategies and goals; o Criteria for identification of priority projects and actions to achieve desired economic growth; o Detailed strategies to capitalize on principal regional economic drivers and other opportunities, and to resolve critical issues; and o Public participation and stakeholder involvement. Suggested time frame: August 11 October 11, 2011

Task 7: Generate regional implementation agenda. A description of the organizational structure and operational arrangements to ensure plan implementation and ongoing meaningful public participation. Specific performance measures to monitor and evaluate effectiveness of plan implementation. Suggested time frame: October 6 - November 9, 2011

Task 8: Complete initial five-year regional Strategic Plan. Step One: Solicit stakeholder comment on the draft initial five-year regional Strategic Plan and implementation agenda. Step Two: Revise draft Strategic Plan and implementation agenda based on feedback and complete the final Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan will be reviewed and evaluated against defined criteria. Suggested time frame: October 11, 2011 - November 9, 2011

Task 9: Complete the NYS Consolidated Funding Applications for priority projects. Suggested time frame: October 6 - November 11, 2011

Task 10: Submit Strategic Plan and grant applications. Deadline: November 14, 2011

Other Background: Q: What staff support from State agencies is available to the Regional Councils? A: Empire State Development (ESD) will serve as the lead agency managing the Regional Councils. ESD Regional Directors will act as the executive directors of each Regional Council, and regional ESD offices will provide administrative and research support. Other State agencies, authorities and departments will be active participants on the Councils and provide necessary resources. In addition, academic institutions, think tanks and other independent organizations may be invited by the Regional Councils, as appropriate, to contribute to the development of the Strategic Plans.

Q: How will the Councils maintain transparency? Are meetings open to the public? A: To ensure a transparent process, Regional Councils will host public sessions. Regional Councils are also encouraged to design innovative ways for stakeholders and the public to actively participate in the planning process. Meeting dates and locations will be available online. In addition, Strategic Plans and progress reports will be posted online.

Q: Who will participate in the Strategic Plan Review Committee? A: The Strategic Plan Review Committee membership will be selected by the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor, and will consist of State agency leaders and leaders from independent, non-partisan, and widely respected public policy, economic development, academic, and other organizations.