Community Priorities Document
The result of input from more than 12,000 Central New Yorkers, the creation of the Community Priorities Document emerges at a crucial juncture, embodying a blueprint for action and collaboration. It’s not merely a catalog of aspirations but a testament to the sense of urgency and collective resolve that defines this moment for Central New York. With a forward-looking gaze, it calls on every community member to lend their voice, vision, and vitality to this transformative endeavor.
The Community Priorities Document is based on extensive feedback from residents, leaders, experts, and service providers and captures needs across the entire region. It is not meant to suggest a one-for-one approach across counties and municipalities. Some strategies, programs, and activities included here might already exist in one place, yet other places might still need investment and support. Read on to learn more about the Community Priorities Document, the Priority Areas identified, and strategies for achieving transformative change for our region.
The Community Priorities Document identifies a set of priorities, strategies for addressing them, and indicators for measuring progress. These priorities, strategies, and indicators are arranged by priority area and informed by the guiding principles and core considerations established by the Community Engagement Committee. This comprehensive approach helped identify and integrate community needs and perspectives into the Community Priorities Document.
While all the priorities identified through our wide-ranging community engagement efforts are critical, the immediate priorities listed below require resources in the short term to amplify the benefits of this moment for those who need it most while protecting vulnerable communities from any challenges posed by rapid economic growth.
Immediate Priority Area:
Minority-, Women-, Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises and Small Businesses
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Actively enhance and support Minority-, Women-, and Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises
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Strategically support and grow the small business support ecosystem
Immediate Priority Area:
Housing, Community Development, and Quality of Place
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Enhance and develop diverse and sustainable housing development initiatives
Immediate Priority Area:
Community Health and Family Supports
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Strengthen child care and family supports initiatives
Immediate Priority Area:
Educational Resources and Access
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Strengthen the integration of STEAM, literacy, and social-emotional supports programming into the K–8 education system
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Create career and workforce readiness opportunities in grades 8–12
Immediate Priority Area:
Workforce Exposure, Development, and Job Opportunities
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Actively engage high school students and lifelong learners in workforce exposure programs to align their skills with evolving industry needs
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Strategically develop and expand workforce development and opportunity programs to enhance skill sets, meet industry demands, and foster employment growth
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Develop and implement workforce support services
Additional Priority Areas and Priorities
Housing, Community Development, and Quality of Place:
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Revitalize and connect community spaces and recreation
Child Care and Family Supports:
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Enhance community health and healthcare
Sustainable and Equitable Infrastructure Development:
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Create a sustainable and inclusive transportation network that enhances connectivity, prioritizes safety, supports economic growth, and minimizes environmental impact
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Modernize and sustainably manage utilities and natural resources for resiliency and sustainability
Priority Areas and Immediate Priorities
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Priority Areas
Priority Area: Educational Resources and Access
Improving the educational landscape for grades pre–K through 12th grade has been identified as a top priority by community members, who reported that bolstering education in the region would be “paramount” to ensuring Central New Yorkers can take advantage of economic opportunities, especially those Micron’s investment will bring.
Through various engagement channels, community members have identified specific education priorities ranging from STEAM programs to literacy integration for pre-K through 8th graders and career exploration programs. They advocated for expanded career and technical education access for high schoolers.
Priority Area: Workforce Exposure, Development, and Job Opportunities
The emphasis on workforce exposure, development, and job opportunities is critical now more than ever to bridge the current skills gap, enhance our educational systems, and align workforce development efforts with the fast-approaching economic expansion. This priority area is designed to equip our residents, especially high
school students and those entering the workforce, with the necessary skills, training, and exposure to thrive in a rapidly evolving
job market. By aligning our workforce development strategies with the needs of the semiconductor industry and the broader economic landscape, we ensure that the region not only benefits from but also
contributes significantly to the state’s growing semiconductor sector.
Priority Area: Minority-, Women-, Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises and Small Businesses
Central New York recognizes the pivotal role of MWVBEs and small businesses in fostering economic growth. This priority area aims to empower these enterprises through enhanced certification access,
capacity building, financial support, inclusive procurement practices, and a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. Recognizing the strategic importance of MWVBEs and small businesses in harnessing this growth, Central New York aims to bolster these entities through targeted support measures. These include streamlining certification processes, expanding capacity for scalability, extending financial
assistance, advocating for equitable procurement opportunities, and fostering a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Priority Area: Housing, Community Development, and Quality of Place
As Central New York transitions into a semiconductor and technology-driven economy, the need for quality, diverse, and accessible housing, alongside vibrant community spaces, has
never been more pressing. The area’s residents prioritize community development focused on creating diverse, sustainable, and accessible housing options alongside enhancing the quality of life through improved public spaces and cultural initiatives. This comprehensive approach aims to foster vibrant communities that cater to the needs of all residents.
Priority Area: Community
Health and Family Supports
Community health and family support systems form the bedrock of a thriving Central New York, ensuring that every resident can partake in burgeoning economic opportunities. Notably, the care of children and adult family members emerges as a significant barrier to employment, with a pronounced impact on women’s workforce participation. The urgency to fortify health and family support structures gains further momentum against the backdrop
of Micron’s monumental investment, expected to catalyze substantial
employment growth.
Priority Area: Sustainable and Equitable Infrastructure Development
Feedback gathered from community engagement underscores the urgency of adapting to this growth. Rural communities express concerns about the strain on infrastructure due to their proximity to burgeoning areas, while diverse groups emphasize the need for
improved public transportation to access jobs, education, and healthcare.
As Central New York navigates this pivot from maintaining to growing its infrastructure, integrating best practices and leveraging regional expertise for zoning and planning become critical. The region stands at a unique juncture, facing the dual challenge of fostering economic development while preserving its rich natural resources and ensuring the inclusivity and sustainability of its growth.
