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Economic revitalization: Syracuse readies for Cuomo's proposed competition

Ryan Delaney
/
WRVO file photo

There will be another competition for state economic development dollars, if the state legislature approves spending $1.5 billion for Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposed Upstate New York Economic Revitalization Competition. At least one Central New York Economic development official is ready for the challenge.

For Centerstate CEO Executive Director Rob Simpson, these competitions for state money are becoming old hat. He’s been involved in the Regional Economic Development Council bid process since it started four years ago, and has seen central New York come through with several winning proposals. Simpson says competing with other parts of the state for economic development cash is a way to get the best ideas on the table.

"The competitive process – yes, it creates winners and losers -- but it also does force us to bring our best ideas forward,” Simpson said. “It forces us to make sure those ideas are thoughtful, they’re properly vetted, they’re real; that we’re leveraging private sector investment, knowing full well there are other regions around the state that are in the same circumstances we are.”

There are already some ideas being discussed in the community, Simpson says, and he expects any proposal to emphasize jobs -- hopefully good, high-paying jobs. The Syracuse-area, he says, hasn't yet recovered all of the jobs lost in the recession. The competition would replicate the successful Buffalo Billion.

“The most important part about a competition like this is getting everyone’s ideas on the table,” Simpson said. “This community works best when we are working together. When the needs of different constituencies are put on the table, and we try to find common ground and agree with what our priorities are.”

Central New York is one of seven regions that will compete for one of three $500 million upstate revitalization funds. The state says projects that exhibit region-wide impact will be given priority.

Ellen produces news reports and features related to events that occur in the greater Syracuse area and throughout Onondaga County. Her reports are heard regularly in regional updates in Morning Edition and All Things Considered.