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.

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. 

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

Empire State Development Grant Funds

Applications are due April 14, 2023.
Capital grant funding is available for capital-based economic development projects that create/retain jobs; prevent, reduce or eliminate unemployment and underemployment; and/or increase business or economic activity.
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Office of Strategic Workforce Development

The Office of Strategic Workforce Development (OSWD), a new division within Empire State Development (ESD), was created to better align workforce development efforts with the needs and priorities of today's employers.
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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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Global New York

Global NY offers financial and technical assistance to help your company connect to the world.
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Key Documents

  • 2022 Western New York Progress Report Cover
    Strategic Plans/Reports

    2022 Western New York Progress Report

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  • GlobalFoundries Chip Fab
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    2022 Available CFA Resources

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  • Construction site
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    2022 Regional Council Guidebook

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2022 CFA Program Webinars

Recorded webinars for all of the REDC Round XI programs.
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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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2021 Regional Economic Development Council Awards Booklet

Western New York REDC Awarded $67.3 Million for 109 Projects.
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Next Regional Council Meeting

Tuesday, January 17, 2023
1 – 3:30 p.m.
Jacqueline Vito Lorusso Alumni and Visitor Center - Costello Hall
Buffalo State University
Meeting Agenda

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.

  • Strategic Plans/Reports

    2022 WNY Progress Report

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

    2021 Western New York Progress Report

    View File
  • Western New York
    Strategic Plans/Reports

    Western New York Recovery Strategy Document 2020

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  • 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.
    View File
  • Guidebook/Applications

    Buffalo Billion ll

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

    2016 Western New York Progress Report

    View File
  • Strategic Plans/Reports

    2011 WNYREDC Strategic Plan

    View File
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

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.

 

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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WNY DRI Round Five Winner

City of Buffalo
(Erie County)
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WNY DRI Round Five Winner

City of North Tonawanda
(Niagara County)
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More About the Western New York Region

Our Vision

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Our Leadership

See Leadership

Our Resources

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Contact Us

Karen Utz, Regional Director