Higgins: Buffalo-Niagara Region chosen for 'Communities that Work Partnership'

WNY selected as 1 of 7 communities nationwide for project by U.S. Economic Development Administration, Aspen Institute

Congressman Brian Higgins announced the Buffalo Niagara Region is one of seven communities selected nationwide to participate in a "Communities that Work Partnership," an effort to drive talent-based economic development locally and across the country.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for Western New York to bring local partners to the table to examine workforce strategies, determine what works locally and nationally and, in the end, develop a comprehensive approach to supporting job creation and placement moving forward," Higgins said.

The Communities that Work Partnership is directed by the U.S. Commerce Department's economic development administration in conjunction with The Aspen Institute's workforce strategies initiative. A total of $500,000 in federal funding provided through the EDA will support the Aspen Institute's implementation of the program in all regions.

Buffalo-Niagara was chosen out of 37 applicants nationwide. Other regions selected include: New York City, northwest Georgia and the greater Phoenix, San Francisco, Greater Houston area and Greater Washington, D.C., areas.

Through the project, each region will create a site team comprised of representatives from industry, government, education, workforce and economic development sectors. Lead local partners include the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Erie County executive's office and National Grid. Over the next 15 months, each team will work together with national experts to develop a strategy to develop news ways to build more effective regional workforce initiatives.