Nate is Special Projects Coordinator with the Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development and manages the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth under the umbrella of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). In his capacity as Special Projects Coordinator, Nate assists in the development and management of several economic development projects and initiatives; manages several County agency allocation contracts with a variety of community organizations; administers the Occupancy Tax for Tourism Development Program; and coordinates the Department’s capital projects.
As Manager of the Partnership for Economic Growth, Nate led an economic development strategic planning process that which concluded earlier this year, and is now working with a multitude of partners to prioritize, develop, secure resources, and implement priority projects in alignment with the plan.
Nate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design and Urban and Regional Analysis and a Masters of Urban Planning degree with a specialization in Economic Development, both from the University at Buffalo. He previously served as a Planner for Chautauqua County and as a planning and development consultant.
Nate’s grandfather, Leonard was a Rotarian in the North County for over 50 years.
Nate’s grandfather, Leonard was a Rotarian in the North County for over 50 years.
Nate reported on the Phase II of the Economic Development Strategic Plan (under development since 2018). Jobs in Chautauqua county have dropped 13% for the period from 2001 to 2019, compared to a 1% drop in jobs for the Western NY region and a 4% increase in the entire state.
Strategic Plan has five main points:
Strategic Plan has five main points:
- Enhance inventory of appropriate sites for advance manufacturing, science and technology and other uses
- Initiate and maintain a talent retention and attraction campaign
- Construct 500 housing units by 2030
- Increase tax revenues by 10% from core communities over 7 years
- Increase number of visitors to Chautauqua County by 50% within 5 years
Q&A
What is the status of the Brownfield development? - County has applied for EPA grand to complete Phase I & II assessments and remediate two sites. Will be working with cities of Dunkirk and Jamestown.
How do you attract business to county? Primarily through the IDA (3 business development offers) and Invest Buffalo (who works with the 8 counties of Western NY),
What have they done in the last 2 years? Athenex in Dunkirk
Why would a company move to Chautauqua County? Tax incentives through IDA (mortgage tax abatement and PILOT), Location of Chautauqua county - proximity to Buffalo, Rochester, Erie, Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Quality of Life - we have 5 lakes, ski resort, hiking and low cost of living.
What tools does Chautauqua county have to train work force? JCC, PTech, BOCES, and MTI