Community Shows Support for Cuomo Initiative

Members of the Farmingdale community showed their support for the launch of the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council on July 27 at SUNY Old Westbury.

Governor Andrew Cuomo attended the launch, which was celebrating this new approach to economic development that the governor hopes will empower Long Island by maximizing the area's assets and addressing the specific challenges and needs of the local communities. 

"By establishing an efficient and community-centered vehicle for job creation and economic growth, this Council will improve our business climate and lead the way toward a stronger, more prosperous future for the region and our State," Cuomo said.

The governor was joined by local officials, business leaders, and community members to launch the Regional Council. Village of Farmingdale Mayor and Chamber of Commerce President/Library Directory attended.

The Long Island Regional Council will be led by Stuart Rabinowitz, president of Hofstra University, and Kevin Law, president of the Long Island Association, who will both serve as regional co-chairs.

"Today we are putting into action a regional plan that confronts head-on the specific economic challenges facing Long Island," Cuomo said. "These councils will have the tools they need to initiate regionally tailored projects that take advantage of our state's many resources and create jobs for New Yorkers."

The regional councils represent a shift in the state's approach to economic development, from a top-down development model to a community-based approach, bringing together stakeholders in every region of the state.

"As stakeholders in the local business community, the members of our Council know that utilizing a regional approach will maximize the potential of our local talent to create jobs and encourage economic growth in Long Island and all across the state," said Kevin Law, president of the Long Island Association and co-chair of the Long Island Regional Council. "I look forward to creating a strategy that will deliver real results for New Yorkers."