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Regional Development Councils

Each Regional Council will meet as often as necessary to ensure that

the completed initial five-year Strategic Plan is submitted by November

14, 2011. After submission, the Councils will meet as often as necessary to

implement and update their Strategic Plans.

Membership:

In addition to the Vice Chairs, the Regional Councils membership is

drawn from a broad spectrum of regional stakeholders. Members will bring

diversity in perspective, represent a variety of interests and ensure a holistic

approach to the strategic planning process. Councils may bring additional

stakeholders and economic development experts into the strategic planning

process through issue-specific work groups on an as-needed basis.

A premise of the Councils work is that no one knows each regions unique strengths and assets

better than the people who live and work there. The strategic planning process will be driven

by major stakeholders from each region who contribute to economic activity:

private business, including small businesses; minority- and women-owned

business enterprises (MWBEs); non-profit economic development organizations;

chambers of commerce and trade organizations; organized labor; higher education;

community-based organizations; and the agricultural community

Public Involvement:

The public will be invited to provide feedback and input throughout

the strategic planning process. Each Council will develop a plan to ensure

public participation through outreach and community forums, as well

as online.

Regional Councils will only be effective when everyone comes together

residents, public and private stakeholders, local organizations, businesses

and universities to work towards a shared vision for a stronger community.

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State Agency Involvement:

ESD Regional Directors will serve as executive directors of each

respective Regional Council. Other State agencies and authorities will be

represented on each Regional Council including:

Department of Agriculture & Markets

Department of Environmental Conservation

Department of Health

Department of Labor

Department of State

Department of Taxation and Finance

Department of Transportation

Dormitory Authority of the State of New York

Environmental Facilities Corporation

New York Power Authority

New York State Energy Research & Development Authority

New York State Homes & Community Renewal

Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation

State Education Department

Additional agencies and authorities with regional significance may also

be included, such as the Adirondack Park Agency, the Long Island Power

Authority, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Port Authority

of New York and New Jersey, the Niagara Greenway Committee, Hudson

River Park Trust, the Hudson River Greenway Communities, and regional

transit authorities.

The Regional Councils have five primary responsibilities:

1. Develop and maintain an initial five-year Strategic Plan

for long-term, sustainable regional economic growth;

2. Coordinate economic development efforts

within the region;

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3. Leverage public and private resources;

4. Identify and eliminate obstacles to growth;

5. Implement performance measures to ensure

long-term success.

Key Benchmarks:

Task 1: Review purpose, work plan and timelines of the Council.

Product: Shared understanding of Council purpose, work and timelines.

Suggested time frame: Through August 10, 2011

Task 2: Implement public participation strategy to aid in development of the initial Strategic

Plan.At least two public forums, in addition to Council meetings, will be held.

Suggested time frame: Adoption of public participation plan: August 2 August 24, 2011

Execution of public participation plan: August 2 November 9, 2011

Task3: Assess existing regional conditions and economic development issues and opportunities.

Suggested time frame: August 2 August 24, 2011

Task 4: Develop a regional economic development vision statement.

Suggested time frame: August 2 - October 5, 2011

Task 5: Determine strategies to advance priority economic development projects and to addresscritical issues.

Suggested time frame: August 24 October 26, 2011

Task 6: Develop draft regional Strategic Plan.

Assemble a draft of the initial Strategic Plan consistent with the Strategic Plan outline for publicreview and comment. The draft five-year Plan shall include, at a minimum, the following

elements:

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o Regional assessment of existing conditions, issues and opportunities;o A regional economic vision statement and refined list of issues and opportunities, including

the principal economic drivers that must be addressed in detailed strategies and goals;o Criteria for identification of priority projects and actions to achieve desired

economic growth;

o Detailed strategies to capitalize on principal regional economic drivers and otheropportunities, and to resolve critical issues; ando Public participation and stakeholder involvement.

Suggested time frame: August 11 October11, 2011

Task 7: Generate regional implementation agenda.

A description of the organizational structure and operational arrangements to ensure plan

implementation and ongoing meaningful public participation. Specific performance measures to

monitor and evaluate effectiveness of plan implementation.

Suggested time frame: October 6 - November 9, 2011

Task 8: Complete initial five-year regional Strategic Plan.

Step One:Solicit stakeholder comment on the draft initial five-year regional Strategic Plan andimplementation agenda.

Step Two:Revise draft Strategic Plan and implementation agenda based on feedback andcomplete the final Strategic Plan.

The Strategic Plan will be reviewed and evaluated against defined criteria.

Suggested time frame: October11, 2011 - November 9, 2011

Task 9: Complete the NYS Consolidated Funding Applications for priority projects.

Suggested time frame: October 6 - November11, 2011

Task 10: Submit Strategic Plan and grant applications.

Deadline: November14, 2011

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Other Background:

Q: What staff support from State agencies is available to the Regional Councils?

A: Empire State Development (ESD) will serve as the lead agency managing

the Regional Councils. ESD Regional Directors will act as the executive

directors of each Regional Council, and regional ESD offices will provide

administrative and research support. Other State agencies, authorities and

departments will be active participants on the Councils and provide necessary

resources. In addition, academic institutions, think tanks and other independent

organizations may be invited by the Regional Councils, as appropriate,

to contribute to the development of the Strategic Plans.

Q: How will the Councils maintain transparency? Are meetings open to

the public?

A: To ensure a transparent process, Regional Councils will host public

sessions. Regional Councils are also encouraged to design innovative ways

for stakeholders and the public to actively participate in the planning process.

Meeting dates and locations will be available online. In addition, Strategic

Plans and progress reports will be posted online.

Q: Who will participate in the Strategic Plan Review Committee?

A: The Strategic Plan Review Committee membership will be selected by

the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor, and will consist of State agency

leaders and leaders from independent, non-partisan, and widely respected

public policy, economic development, academic, and other organizations.