ESD to hold public update on Niagara Falls Strategic Economic Development Fund

Oct. 26 Zoom meeting will discuss new funding initiative for Niagara Street, Main Street, Portage Road & Pine Avenue

Empire State Development will hold a project update on the Niagara Falls Strategic Economic Development Fund, a new funding initiative to spur investment on targeted commercial areas along Niagara Street, Main Street, Portage Road and Pine Avenue, from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, via Zoom.

The project update comes after an initial public meeting and summer of listening sessions with small businesses, property owners and local community organizations on ideas for inclusion in the program. During the presentation, ESD will share what it learned from the community and how these insights are shaping an investment portfolio for the Niagara Falls Strategic Economic Development Fund.

To join the Oct. 26 information session by computer or smartphone, register online using the link below, and the link to join the meeting will be sent.

https://buffalo.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMude6urT8qE91cdFJfnP2H1caqVq0LtEqW

Those unable to join by computer or smartphone – who need to dial into the meeting – can call 646-558-8656 at 6 p.m. The meeting ID is 973 2763 4099, and the password is 286957.

Through the establishment of program goals, an analysis of economic and land use data, review of past investments, and in-depth stakeholder engagement, ESD and its subsidiary USA Niagara Development Corp., along with the City of Niagara Falls and University at Buffalo Regional Institute, are developing a portfolio of catalytic projects aimed at improving economic conditions in the City of Niagara Falls. Projects funded through the program are intended to enhance mixed-use, walkable commercial corridors; support and grow new businesses and entrepreneurship; connect to the waterfront and existing state and private investments; and attract tourists from downtown into adjoining neighborhoods. The new fund seeks to combine support from ESD, the City of Niagara Falls, and philanthropy to finance a variety of projects.

For more information on this program, visit https://buffalobillion.ny.gov/niagara-falls-strategic-economic-development-fund.

ESD is New York’s chief economic development agency. For more information, visit www.esd.ny.gov and www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov.