The Central New York Regional Economic Development Council is competing for $200 million of funding for a five-county region in New York State. The funding is for economic development based on community priorities and interests, which could include tourism development. Yesterday, the Council met with community members to decide on investment targets for the funding. Tourism topped the list because of the region’s “abundance of historical sites and waterways…” The community is being asked for further input online, which is supposed to be used in a proposed five year strategy that will be submitted on November 14th.

The website set up by the Council is a useful possible model for other communities seeking local input. Click here to check out the site.