Western New York Regional Economic Development Council

The Western New York Regional Economic Development Council (WNYREDC) is the strategic economic advisory board for the Western New York region.

About the WNY REDC

The Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative is a key component of New York State's approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, the state established 10 Regional Councils to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth in their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations.

In November 2023, the WNY region’s strategic plan was updated for the first time since 2011. The re-established regional priorities build off the region’s unique assets and geographic location. They also reflect the rich history as a center of manufacturing and pioneer of innovation, important community and cultural assets, core urban centers and quaint villages, and world-class research and innovation resources. Over the past ten years, by building on these and burgeoning strengths such as growing population segments, new entrepreneurs and a strong Tech workforce, WNY made tremendous investments in places, people and industries critical to a sustainable economic future. Key industries in tradable sectors are advanced through investments in placemaking to create accessible job centers, sustainable infrastructure and livable communities; in workforce through targeted job training and talent attraction; and in innovation by investing in the support networks that attract entrepreneurs and ensure a healthy and diverse business climate.

The WNYREDC is composed of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties.

Round XIV of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative

The Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) is accepting applications for open enrollment programs. The next deadline for ESD Grant Fund and Strategic Planning & Feasibility Study Applications is 11/29/24.

Main Street Capital Loan Fund

Need capital for your small business? In partnership with Pursuit, the $10-million Main Street Capital Loan Fund (MSCLF) makes term loans of $100,000 or less available for start ups and early-stage businesses.

Key Documents

2024 CFA Program Webinars

Recorded webinars for all of the REDC Round XIV programs.

Project Tracking Dashboard

The Project Tracking Dashboard provides information on previously funded CFA Projects. This interactive tool allows for summarization and analysis of all project data. It contains four tabs: Top Level Stats, Investments & Jobs, a Map, and an Appendix. For more information on how to use and interpret the dashboard, please see the Dashboard Guidance Document.

Western New York Project Tracking Dashboard

WNYREDC News

View Press Releases and Latest WNY REDC News.

WNYREDC Public Meetings

Read meeting minutes for the Western New York REDC.

2023 Regional Economic Development Council Awards Booklet

WNY Awards

Important Documents

A primary role of the WNYREDC is to create a regional strategic plan and provide a written update every year. Click View More below to access the full archive of WNYREDC documents.

  • REDC WNY Annual Report Cover
    Strategic Plans/Reports

    2024 Western New York Annual Report

    View this file for regional updates, reports on public engagement, and an overview of CFA Funded Projects.
  • Western New York Regional Strategic Plan 2023 Cover
    Strategic Plans/Reports

    Western New York Regional Strategic Plan 2023

  • 2022 WNY Progress Report Cover
    Strategic Plans/Reports

    2022 WNY Progress Report

  • Western NY 2021 Annual Report Book Cover
    Strategic Plans/Reports

    2021 Western New York Progress Report

  • Western New York
    Strategic Plans/Reports

    Western New York Recovery Strategy Document 2020

  • 2019 Western New York Progress Report Cover
    Strategic Plans/Reports

    2019 Western New York Progress Report

  • WNY 2018 Progress Report Cover
    Strategic Plans/Reports

    Western New York 2018 Progress Report

  • Strategic Plans/Reports

    2017 Western New York Progress Report

    Learn more about Western New York’s 2017 strategies, priorities and progress.
  • Guidebook/Applications

    Buffalo Billion ll

    A comprehensive plan for Buffalo Billion Phase II.
  • Strategic Plans/Reports

    2016 Western New York Progress Report

  • Strategic Plans/Reports

    2011 WNYREDC Strategic Plan

  Northland Workforce Training Center

Northland Workforce Training Center

 
Manufacturing is the third largest industry sector in the Western New York region, employing more than 66,000 people and generating $6.3 billion in gross regional product (GRP). Over the next 10 years...

Downtown Revitalization Initiative & NY Forward

New York State's Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) is transforming downtown neighborhoods into vibrant communities where the next generation of New Yorkers will want to live work and raise families.

NY Forward supports a more equitable downtown recovery for New York’s smaller and rural communities, with a focus on hamlets and villages.

Learn more about the winning communities:

 

WNY DRI Round One Winner

City of Jamestown
(Chautauqua County)

WNY DRI Round Two Winner

City of Olean
(Cattaraugus County)

WNY DRI Round Three Winner

City of Lockport
(Niagara County)

WNY DRI Round Four Winner

City of Niagara Falls
(Niagara County)

WNY DRI Round Five Winner

City of Buffalo
(Erie County)

WNY DRI Round Five Winner

City of North Tonawanda
(Niagara County)

WNY DRI Round Six Winner

City of Dunkirk
(Chautauqua County)

WNY NY Forward Round One Winner

Village of Lancaster (Erie County) and
Village of Wellsville (Allegany County)

More About the Western New York Region

Our Vision

Our Leadership

Our Resources

Contact Us

Karen Utz, Regional Director