CNY REDC

05/31/2022

Interested in learning about funding opportunities through the CFA? Join us for one of our many funding workshops through the month of June!

05/03/2019

GOVERNOR CUOMO LAUNCHES $175 MILLION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

Consolidated Funding Application through the Regional Economic Development Councils Aims to Create Economic Opportunity for Every New Yorker


Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the launch of the Workforce Development Initiative, which invests $175 million statewide for workforce development to support strategic regional efforts that meet businesses' short-term workforce needs, improve regional talent pipelines, enhance the flexibility and adaptability of local workforce entities, expand apprenticeships and address the long-term needs of growing industries. These funds will also support efforts to improve the economic security of women, youth and other groups facing significant barriers to career advancement.

"We must ensure the workforce of today is not only prepared for the jobs we have now, but also ready for the jobs of tomorrow," said Governor Cuomo. "The Workforce Development Initiative is another significant step to ensure future growth in the state and help New Yorkers succeed in the 21st Century economy."

"Investing in workforce development is essential to provide individuals with the skills they need for jobs in industries across the state," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Chair of the statewide Regional Economic Development Councils. "In order to keep up with the needs of the labor market, New York must lead the way to train workers in advanced manufacturing, health care, and energy to close the skills gap and create a pipeline of talent for employers. The Workforce Development Initiative will target resources to ensure training is available in our communities for good paying jobs that will continue to move our economy forward."

In January 2018, Governor Cuomo announced the Workforce Development Initiative concept to strengthen workforce development in New York State. This new Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) will serve as the single point of entry for workforce development funding. Additionally, the State's 10 Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs) will play a critical role in recommending projects that align with their region's economic and workforce development plans. Awarding economic development funds through the REDCs utilizes a tested and successful model that brings together higher education, industry and government leaders to plan the future of their regions. After eight rounds of the REDC process, more than $6.1 billion has been awarded to more than 7,300 job creation and community development projects consistent with each region's strategic plans, projecting to create and retain more than 230,000 jobs. Establishing a new CFA for workforce investments builds on the success of this bottom-up model.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "As our economy continues to evolve, the Workforce Development Initiative will develop a model for the nation that will give New Yorkers the necessary tools to compete in a job market that is constantly changing and increasingly competitive."

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, "Technology achievements and new generations of consumers are rapidly changing the nature of our jobs. The Governor is making sure that New York is ready to meet the challenges of these transitions head-on by focusing on new ideas for workforce development."

SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson said, "Providing a high quality education and preparing students for the competitive jobs of the future is at the core of SUNY and this initiative will continue to strengthen New York's already premier workforce. I applaud the Governor for once again dedicating resources and leadership to ensure every existing and future employer have the best and most highly skilled workers available."

CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, "Governor Cuomo's Workplace Development Initiative will be a powerful catalyst for CUNY's efforts as a vital engine of economic mobility in New York City. In growing local talent pipelines and creating more adaptable workforces, this sweeping plan will expand opportunities for our students. At the same time, by addressing the strategic needs of growing industries, the initiative will help CUNY educate and train graduates who will continue to make important contributions to New York."

Melinda Mack, Executive Director of the New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals, said "We are encouraged that the Governor is taking a bold step to make workforce development a priority in New York. About 40% of New Yorkers have a high school diploma or less, and if we want to reach our full economic potential as a State we need to open up access to career pathways for anyone willing and able to work as a core principle of our economic development."

A list of available resources will be accessible here. The CFA will open to applicants on May 8, 2019 and project plans and applications will be accepted on a continual basis. The funding made available for this initiative consolidates multiple programs administered by various state agencies and authorities.

Awards will fall into one of three categories:

· Public-Private Partnerships to Advance 21st Century Skills: These programs expand the infrastructure and capacity of SUNY and CUNY to produce skilled talent that meets the needs of regional employers. The resources will provide funding for classroom space, technology and equipment, and industry-engaged curriculum development. These programs will also foster connections with regional employers by building structured work-based learning experiences such as internships; co-op learning; apprenticeships; and direct on-the-job training in high demand sectors like life science, STEM, and advanced manufacturing. Funds available in this category are provided through SUNY and CUNY and include capital, apprenticeship, customized curriculum and new job linkage opportunities.

· Employer-Driven Skills: These programs expand employer investment in a skilled workforce pipeline. Resources will provide funding or tax credits to train incumbent workers and to recruit and train entry-level workers. Applications tend to come directly from employers. Funds available in this category are provided by the New York State Department of Labor, the New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) and Empire State Development for employer-driven employee.

· Workforce Solutions: The Workforce Solutions programs provide flexible funding for innovative workforce development projects. Funds will support strategic regional efforts that meet businesses' near-term workforce needs, address long-term industry needs, improve regional talent pipelines, and expand apprenticeships. The focus will be on regionally significant industries in emerging fields with growing demands for jobs. Funds will also support efforts to improve the economic security of women, young workers and other populations that face significant barriers to career advancement. Successful applications could include sector and industry-cluster-based strategies that regionally address a worker shortage and projects that have the potential to rapidly deploy and meet the demonstrated demand for current or anticipated job openings. Sources of funding from participating agencies and authorities will be matched to proposals, based on details of the project.

In recognition of the varied workforce development challenges faced across the state, a range of projects will be eligible for funding. The focus will be on regionally significant industries in emerging fields with growing demands for jobs, including those in clean energy, life science, computer science and advanced technologies. All projects and activities must be consistent with the region's workforce development plans. Regional Councils will focus on supporting strategic regional efforts that meet businesses' near-term workforce needs, address long-term industry needs, enhance the flexibility and adaptability of local workforce entities, improve regional talent pipelines and expand apprenticeships.

About the Consolidated Funding Application
As part of Governor Cuomo's efforts to improve the state's economic development model, the NYS Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) was created to streamline and expedite the grant application process. The CFA process marks a fundamental shift in the way state resources are allocated, ensuring less bureaucracy and greater efficiency to fulfill local economic development needs. The CFA serves as the single-entry point for access to economic development funding, ensuring applicants no longer have to slowly navigate multiple agencies and sources without any mechanism for coordination. Now, economic development projects use the CFA as a support mechanism to access multiple state funding sources through one application, making the process quicker, easier, and more productive. To access the CFA, please visit https://apps.cio.ny.gov/apps/cfa/.

About the Regional Economic Development Councils
The Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative is a key component of Governor Cuomo's approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, Governor Cuomo established 10 Regional Councils to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for 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 Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources. For more information on the Regional Councils, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov.

Programs Workforce Development Initiative Investing $175 million for workforce development TOP Workforce Development Initiative Share Overview OverviewThe Workforce Development Initiative (WDI) will invest $175 million through a newly created Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), targeted to workf...

04/10/2019

REMINDER: Tomorrow from 2 PM to 4 PM will be our last CNY REDC Funding Forum for the spring. This will be in partnership with MACNY, The Manufacturers Association and will take place at their offices (5788 Widewaters Parkway). If you are intersted in learning about funding sources available in this year's CFA (municipalities, private businesses, start ups, not-for-profits, etc.) you won't want to miss it! You can RSVP using the link below!

04/02/2019

TONIGHT - Daniel Mark will be holding a funding forum at 5 pm tonight at the Career Center in Wampsville, Madison County. The event is free and open to the pubilc. Join us if you are intersted in learning more about available state funding sources for hiring and expanding your business.

07/24/2018

Unmanned Aerial Systems are on the Rise in New York State The emergence of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technologies is expected to be the next great evolution of civil aviation not only in the United States, but also around the world. With an industrial heritage rooted in aerospace and sensing sys...

06/06/2018

The New York Drone Corridor will enable companies to test UAS platforms and UTM technologies in real-world settings, generating data that will inform industry and regulators and advance the commercial use of drones.

06/05/2018

Yesterday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced 22 projects have been selected to be funded through the $30 million Alliance for Economic Inclusion anti-poverty initiative in Central New York. Founded in 2017, the AEI is comprised of a group of 24 community leaders from within the five counties of Central New York who were chosen to represent the diversity of governments, businesses, schools and economic opportunities and challenges as identified by the community. Onondaga County will administer the project funding upfront and then will be reimbursed by the state. Funding for the first round of the initiative totals $6.9 million, with the opportunity for the chosen projects to earn further funding in subsequent years.

"New York will continue to empower communities, creating and expanding economic opportunity in every corner of this great state," Governor Cuomo said. "These projects address the needs of this region's most vulnerable communities, producing meaningful change and helping all of Central New York continue to rise."

“We’re aggressively working to address the issue of poverty across the state, including in Central New York,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, chair of the statewide Regional Economic Development Councils. “The Regional Economic Development Council is targeting projects that directly address economic inequity. These initiatives will provide individuals with opportunities to rise out of their circumstances and lead productive lives.”

The AEI is being funded through the successful CNY Rising Upstate Revitalization Initiative plan submitted by the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council, which was tasked with addressing poverty in Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Oswego and Onondaga Counties. Estimates based on 2016 population data show 14.9 percent or 112,020 of Central New York residents live in poverty. The poverty rate is significantly higher in more populated centers such as the City of Syracuse.

The awarded projects cover a broad range of issues and are broken into six categories: Early-Childhood Education, Transportation, Workforce Development, Post-Secondary Education, Neighborhood Revitalization, and Access to Startup Funding. More than half of the projects awarded focus on workforce development which remains a significant barrier to moving people out of poverty. Last fall, the council released a request for proposals to the five-county region and received a total of 92 responses. A second Requests for Proposals for the initiative will be issued later this year.

The selected projects include:

The Triple Win Program Administered Through Responsive to our Community, Inc.: This program will work to refurbish vacant and dilapidated buildings in all five counties, in partnership with the local land banks and municipalities; Conduct DOL Nationally Certified On-The-Job Construction Job Training for underemployed veterans and their family members; Provide Survivor Support for the homeless, domestic violence survivors and their children, and very low-income residents by supplying sustainable, safe, and affordable housing. Year one Budget: $465,000/ Total Budget: $465,000.
Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency Employment Pathways Program: Employment Pathways is a workforce development program designed to connect people in poverty to career path opportunities within regional growth industries. The Employment Pathways Program will increase career and technical opportunities among the low-income population, increase the number of low-income adults graduating from college, increase the number of students matriculating to higher education, increase underemployed and unemployed individuals placed in jobs, increase access to transportation and child care, and improve the overall health and well-being of participants. Year one Budget: $154,366/ Total Budget: $771,828.
Providence Services Shuttle to Work Program: Transportation has been the missing link for many people working to escape poverty and to fully benefit from many Workforce Development programs. This proposal fills that gap. The Shuttle to Work program will provide transportation to and from work for individuals in Syracuse and East Syracuse the first year and will pick individuals up at a location close to their homes and drop them off at their work locations. The Shuttles will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as needed. The cost will be $5.00 per rider for up to 6 riders per van. Year one Budget: $46,000/ Total Budget: $414,000.
Projects were awarded to each of the five counties and were distributed as follows Cayuga - one; Cortland -one; Madison - one; Onondaga - ten; and Oswego -three. There were also six projects that combined multiple counties. The percent of money distributed corresponds with the total number of people living in poverty in each county.

For a complete list of the 22 chosen projects, click the link below.

The $30 million for anti-poverty efforts through the AEI will complement $20 million the state has already awarded for the New York State Syracuse Promise Scholarship Fund which will provide scholarships to Syracuse city school graduates.

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "Access to economic opportunity for all requires a robust system of partners and solutions. The Alliance for Economic Inclusion will support and help affected communities to work together, ensuring that everyone in the region has a solid path towards prosperity."

CNYREDC Co-Chairs SUNY Upstate Medical University President Dr. Danielle Laraque-Arena and Randy Wolken, President & CEO of MACNY, The Manufacturers Association said, "Fighting poverty is a top priority for the Regional Economic Development Council. Through the Alliance for Economic inclusion the council and area partners are working to ensure that economic revitalization initiatives will benefit every family in every county throughout the region, creating solid opportunities for all."

Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney said, "This collaborative effort will work to create significant change in the region and offer real solutions to the problems that poverty presents. I am grateful to Governor Cuomo for his continued partnership on this important issue and Onondaga County is proud to be a leading in this effort."

City of Syracuse - Office of the Mayor Ben Wlsh said, "Alliance for Economic Inclusion funding helps the City of Syracuse, Onondaga County and our community partners undertake the complex and broad efforts needed to address poverty. These programs give real people in Syracuse and throughout the State help in lifting themselves out of poverty. As a community, we can't do this work alone, so we appreciate Governor Cuomo's consistent support for the people of Syracuse."

The regionally focused AEI initiative was created to tackle health and safety issues, secure affordable housing for those who need it and increase career and technical educational opportunities. Priority was given to initiatives that incorporated features such as addressing systems change, offered cost-effective solutions scalable to a larger audience, collaboration, partnership and/or coalition-based solutions and to sustainable solutions that will exist after the funding period has ended.

Accelerating CNY Rising

Today's announcement complements "CNY Rising," the region's comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $4.7 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan - capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Syracuse, Oswego and Auburn as a destination to grow and invest in.

Now, the region is accelerating Central NY Rising with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State's $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion - and the region's plan, as submitted, projects up to 5,900 new jobs.

For a full list of winning projects, click the link below.

06/04/2018

Central New York, a world leader in education, high tech and agriculture, has taken off as a center for unmanned aircraft.

05/31/2018

DEADLINE ALERT: Tomorrow is the last day to submit applications for Downtown Revitalization Initative, Round 3. Be sure to get them in before 4:00 PM.

The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) is a $100 million effort to improve the urban vitality of city centers across New York.

05/30/2018

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