Economic Development Strategic Plan for Allegany County, NY

The Challenge

Allegany County, located in Western New York, sought strategic planning services to chart a course for economic development over the next five years. The county was experiencing an aging population, a “brain drain” of talent from its three institutions of higher education, and a lack of housing and infrastructure to accommodate its workforce and attract new businesses.

County leaders also hoped to use this planning process to think critically about the most efficient delivery of economic development services, which had recently transitioned to a County economic development department.

The Solution

Camoin Associates developed a five-year Economic Development Strategic Plan that took a comprehensive approach to economic growth in Allegany County. The strategies reflected the foundational steps needed to lay the groundwork for future success — industry engagement, local and regional collaboration, and capacity and management — as well as recommendations around key economic development functional areas (such as targeted industries, workforce, and tourism).

The Impact

The planning process, which occurred from April 2023 through December 2023, engaged over 100 key stakeholders and provided opportunities for feedback through a series of focus groups, interviews, and in-person interviews held across the county. The process itself generated momentum for strategic plan implementation and helped the County bolster relationships with local businesses and community partners.

In January 2024, the County Legislature’s Planning and Development Committee recommended acceptance and approval of the strategy. As a result of strategic plan recommendations, the County hired Camoin Associates to provide further advisory services and training for County leadership, legislators, and other professionals involved in economic and community development.

Services Provided:

• Economic base analysis
• Situational analysis
• Strategy development
• Business focus groups
• Engagement with County Board of Legislators
• Organizational planning for economic development leadership