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, former 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.

2021 Downtown Revitalization Initiative Guidebook

Program guidelines and requirements
Guidebook

2021 Downtown Revitalization Initiative Application

Applications due by Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Application

2021 Downtown Revitalization Initiative Information Session

Watch webcast below:
Webcast

Workforce Development Initiative

The Workforce Development Initiative (WDI) was inaugurated in 2019 with a mission to invest $175 million throughout New York State for innovative, creative, and regionally customized workforce development projects. The WDI portal is accepting applications
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Key Documents

  • wind farm
    Guidebook/Applications

    2021 REDC Guidebook

    Learn more about the eleventh round of REDC awards with up to $750 million to fund regional priority projects.
    View File
  • Workers at Regeneron in East Greenbush
    Guidebook/Applications

    2021 Resources Available Guide

    For Round XI, there are over 30 programs available through nine state agencies.
    View File
  • Western NY 2021 Annual Report Book Cover
    Strategic Plans/Reports

    2021 Western New York Progress Report

    View File

2021 CFA Program Webinars

Recorded webinars for all of the REDC Round XI programs.
View the Webinars

New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program

The program reimburses New York small businesses with grants of up to $50,000 for COVID-related expenses incurred between March 1, 2020 and April 1, 2021.
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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.
Learn More

Next Regional Council Meeting

Tuesday, January 18, 2022
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
via Zoom

Please RSVP and submit your questions to [email protected]
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.
LEARN MORE

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.

  • Western New York
    Strategic Plans/Reports

    Western New York Recovery Strategy Document 2020

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

    2019 Western New York Progress Report

    View File
  • WNY 2018 Progress Report Cover
    Strategic Plans/Reports

    Western New York 2018 Progress Report

    View File
  • 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...
Read Success Story

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)
LEARN MORE

WNY DRI Round Four Winner

City of Niagara Falls
(Niagara County)
LEARN MORE

WNYREDC News

View Press Releases and Latest WNY REDC News.
Discover More

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.
LEARN MORE

More About the Western New York Region

Our Vision

See Vision

Our Leadership

See Leadership

Our Resources

See Resources

Contact Us

Stephen Gawlik, Regional Director