| Dr. Ann E. Davis is director of the Marist College Bureau of Economic Research. Deborah Meyer DeWan, leader of Scenic Hudson's smart growth team and a seasoned professional in the field of community planning, recently talked with Dr. Davis about successful economic development. |
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How do you evaluate economic health?
Since 1990 the bureau has looked at our nine-county region for such things as employment, sales tax, household demographics, property values and municipal financing. But also we've done special studies on commuting trends and the performance of specific industries. Increasingly it is clear that the economy is a personal mechanism, related closely to people and the eco-system. The traditional emphasis has been on what to do with the economy. Today we need greater focus on the environment and people - human and social capital. This is the best way to create lasting economic prosperity. |
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What is the state of the valley's economy?
In the early 90s we had IBM down-sizing, which was pretty devastating. Thankfully, the company has remained a significant presence here, and high-tech has grown stronger, including biotechnology. Our economy is more diverse and healthier through the growing strength of nonprofits, like education and health care. One of our future goals should be championing alternative energy and other environmentally friendly technologies. Our area's beauty and quality of life as well as our burgeoning technology sector make this a logical and ideal direction for economic development. We can have business opportunity and guard what is special about our region. |
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Revitalizing cities is a focus for Scenic Hudson. You're leading such an effort also. What's the payoff?
What's the payoff? You improve river cities and you improve the regional economy, help reduce sprawl and build a valley that is a creative place for recreation, arts and culture, for both residents and tourists. Scenic Hudson's work in Beacon offers a model. When done well, re-energizing a downtown offers residents a stake in the community so that their standard of living rises with the economy. I'm developing a project within Marist's management school that will focus on inner city entrepreneurship. Many of our cities are underdeveloped, and they are a huge resource with existing infrastructure and pedestrian-friendly workplaces. Scenic Hudson is helping develop Beacon's waterfront, preserving open space and places where people can connect with the river. But also you're making this area a breeding ground for economic development. |
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What are some progressive approaches to economic development?
The strategy that has really helped you is getting into the development process early, rather than late and in purely oppositional mode. People don't see you as obstructionist but as a force for raising community awareness and for building alliances that accomplish things. Scenic Hudson, and Marist College also, are investing in preserving the history and character of our communities. Through this we gain an important perspective about ourselves and our relationship to the greater social fabric and global ecology. Keep up the good work and continue leading people to see our future in terms of a balanced environmental vision. |
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How can our readers help?
Don't accept outmoded economic strategies that don't adequately value our environmental health. Stand up and call on your public officials and business leaders to be innovative and to work with Scenic Hudson and others to improve our environment and economy at the same time. Local food production, resource preservation and alternative energy are promising areas for economic development and employment. |
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| Economist Dr. Ann E. Davis, pictured above, teaches at Marist College in Poughkeepsie and produces the "Quarterly Report of the Hudson Valley Economy" - a data-driven snapshot of our regional economy. |
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| Deborah Meyer DeWan and Dr. Ann E. Davis look over the valley. |
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Beacon Renaissance |
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Quarterly Report of the Hudson Valley Economy |
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BE A FORCE FOR SMART GROWTH |
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Attend meetings of your waterfront advisory committee, town council or planning board. |
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Advocate for planning that creates improved quality of life and economic opportunity. |
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VOLUNTEER AND DONATE
Scenic Hudson's future achievements are only possible with the generous support of people like you. To donate, please use our donation form. And as always, we offer volunteer opportunities for both individuals and groups. |
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