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 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, Governor Cuomo 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.

The WNY region’s 2011 strategic plan, “A Strategy for Prosperity,” leverages the region’s strategic advantages in key industry sectors including advanced manufacturing, agriculture, bi-national logistics, energy, health & life sciences, higher education, professional services and tourism. The plan focuses on strategies that promote smart growth, prepare our workforce and foster a culture of entrepreneurship. 

Through nine rounds of the REDC initiative, the WNYREDC has delivered $620.4 million for 890 projects across the region. The WNYREDC is composed of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties.

Raising the NYS Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund

Raising the NYS Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund offers approximately $3 million in reimbursement grants for up to $5,000 to eligible businesses.
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New York Forward Loan Fund

New York Forward Loan Fund (NYFLF) is a new $100 million economic recovery loan program aimed at supporting New York State small businesses, nonprofits and small landlords as they reopen after the COVID-19 outbreak and NYS on PAUSE.
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Excelsior Jobs Program

The Excelsior Jobs Program encourages businesses to expand in and relocate to New York while maintaining strict accountability standards to guarantee that businesses deliver on job and investment commitments.
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Next Regional Council Meeting

TBD

The WNY REDC meets several times a year across the region, If you would like to be notified of the next WNYREDC meeting, please email [email protected]
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Buffalo Billion

Buffalo Billion initiative builds on the renewed economic engine of the entire Western New York region.
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Workforce Development Initiative

The NYS Workforce Development Initiative provides $175 million from 13 workforce funding programs to improve regional talent pipelines.
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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.

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

    2019 Western New York Progress Report

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  • WNY 2018 Progress Report Cover
    Strategic Plans/Reports

    Western New York 2018 Progress Report

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  • Strategic Plans/Reports

    2017 Western New York Progress Report

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

    Buffalo Billion ll

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

    2016 Western New York Progress Report

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  • Strategic Plans/Reports

    2011 WNYREDC Strategic Plan

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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...
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Downtown Revitalization Initiative

Governor Cuomo’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.

 

WNY DRI Round One Winner

City of Jamestown
(Chautauqua County)
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WNY DRI Round Two Winner

City of Olean
(Cattaraugus County)
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WNY DRI Round Three Winner

City of Lockport
(Niagara County)
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WNY DRI Round Four Winner

City of Niagara Falls
(Niagara County)
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WNYREDC News

View Press Releases and Latest WNY REDC News.
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WNYREDC Public Meetings

Read meeting minutes for the Western New York REDC.
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2019 Regional Economic Development Council Awards Booklet

Western New York REDC Awarded $67.3 Million for 109 Projects.
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More About the Western New York Region

Our Vision

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Our Leadership

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Our Resources

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Contact Us

Amanda Mays , Regional Director