The Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership will work with the Town of Galway to create an economic development plan specifically tailored to the town’s current needs and future aspirations.
Officials said the collaboration is part of the Saratoga Partnership’s Next Wave Communities initiative, which assists local towns within Saratoga County in developing customized economic development plans.
The initial step in the multi-phase process was an economic development workshop on April 24 at Galway Town Hall. Saratoga Partnership President Marty Vanags delivered a presentation on economic development principles and practices—including business retention and attraction strategies, small business development, and financial incentives and financing packages—and provided a foundation for the work to follow.
“We are excited to work closely with stakeholders throughout Galway to create an economic development plan specific to the town’s current and future needs,” said Vanags. “We look forward to engaging with government and business leaders, as well as residents, to ensure this blueprint reflects an appropriate vision to guide the town moving forward.”
“This process will respect our commitment to preserving the rural character that makes Galway a special place, as well as the need for smart, strategic growth that keeps taxes low and services intact,” said Galway Supervisor Michael Smith. “With the input of our residents, business owners, and elected officials, combined with the expertise of the Saratoga Partnership, we will seek to strike a balance that makes sense for the town.”
Over the next few months, the Saratoga Partnership will survey the community to gauge its vision, identify both strengths and obstacles to success, and find ways to collaborate in building the plan; meet with key stakeholders to gather input on the town’s economic development needs, assets, opportunities and challenges; and conduct a workshop to develop a thorough SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis specific to Galway.
By the summer, officials said, the Saratoga Partnership will present a written economic development plan that will include a vision for the town, defined goals and objectives, results of the SWOT analysis, opportunities for collaboration, a link to resources, and next steps. Implementation of the plan will be conducted by the Partnership in collaboration with the town.
This is the second local economic development plan to be undertaken by the Saratoga Partnership through its Next Wave Communities program. The first, for the Town of Moreau, is also expected to be presented this summer.
