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Case Study

Micron’s Investment: Community Engagement for Equitable Growth

The Challenge

Micron’s unprecedented $100 billion investment in Central New York presented a transformative economic opportunity for the region. To ensure that the benefits of this investment would reach all corners of the community, the Community Engagement Committee (CEC) was formed.

The CEC was established as part of the historic Community Benefits Agreement between Micron, Empire State Development, and local partners. This agreement included the creation of a $500 million Green CHIPS Community Investment Fund, focused on workforce development, education, community assets, and housing in the Central New York area.

The committee, composed of diverse community leaders, experts, and advocates, was tasked with gathering community input to shape a Community Priorities Document. This document would guide future investments and development, ensuring that the community’s voice was central to decision-making processes.

The challenge was twofold:

  • To create a representative committee that could effectively capture the diverse perspectives of the region.
  • To design and implement an engagement process that would reach a broad cross-section of the community, including historically underrepresented groups.

Highland Planning was tasked with supporting Fourth Economy in leading a comprehensive community engagement process.

Highland Planning collaborated with Fourth Economy to design and implement an innovative, multi-faceted engagement strategy. The goal was to reach as many residents as possible, especially those from historically underrepresented communities, to ensure their voices were heard in this critical moment for Central New York’s future.

Community Members Engaged
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Survey Reponses
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CNYCEC.org Unique Visitors and Email Subscribers
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Postcards Distributed
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Organizations Engaged
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Reached through Focus Groups, 1:1 Interviews, Public Meetings and Other Events
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Laying the Foundation for Inclusive Growth for the Future of New York State

This comprehensive engagement process ensured that the Community Priorities Document truly reflected the diverse needs and aspirations of Central New York residents. It laid the groundwork for equitable development and community-driven decision-making in the face of transformative economic growth.

What We Heard: Community Priorities

Through our extensive engagement efforts, Central New York residents shared their hopes, concerns, and priorities for the region’s future in light of Micron’s investment.

Key themes that emerged include:

Educational Resources and Access:

Residents emphasized the need for strengthened STEAM programming in K-8 education and expanded career readiness opportunities for high school students.

Workforce Development:

The community prioritized workforce exposure programs for students and lifelong learners, as well as expanded workforce development initiatives to meet evolving industry demands.

Support for Local Businesses:

Enhancing support for minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses, as well as strengthening the small business ecosystem, were identified as crucial priorities.

Housing and Community Development:

Participants stressed the importance of diverse, sustainable housing initiatives and the revitalization of community spaces.

Childcare and Family Supports:

Child Care and Family Supports: Strengthening child care initiatives and enhancing community health supports were highlighted as essential for enabling workforce participation

Sustainable Infrastructure:

The community expressed a desire for sustainable and equitable infrastructure development, including improved public transit and modernized utilities.

“We hope there will be strategic investments that lift everyone by breaking down racial segregation, reducing poverty, and addressing social determinants of health,”

shared one participant, encapsulating a common sentiment among residents.

This feedback directly informed the Community Priorities Document, ensuring that future investments and development plans align with the needs and aspirations of Central New York’s diverse communities.

Innovative Engagement Strategies:

Highland Planning employed several innovative strategies to ensure broad and inclusive participation:

Multi-channel Approach:

Engagement efforts included online surveys, in-person events, and virtual meetings to accommodate diverse preferences and schedules.

Targeted Outreach:

Special efforts were made to reach historically underrepresented communities and ensure their input was captured.

Interactive Public Meetings:

Meetings featured engaging activities to encourage active participation and meaningful input.

Collaborative Partnerships:

Highland Planning worked closely with local organizations and community leaders to extend the reach of engagement efforts.

The Outcome

By amplifying the voices of over 12,700 Central New York residents, Highland Planning’s engagement efforts with Fourth Economy have not only shaped the Community Priorities Document but have also set a new standard for inclusive, community-driven planning. This work lays the foundation for equitable growth in the region, ensuring that as Micron’s historic investment unfolds, its benefits will be felt across all communities. Our comprehensive engagement process has empowered residents to play a pivotal role in shaping their region’s future, fostering a shared vision of prosperity that will guide Central New York’s transformation for years to come.

Let’s see what we can create together.

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