Pattern for Progress is a non-profit, public policy research and planning institute.  Pattern was founded in 1965 by leaders from the public and private sectors, and now serves a nine-county region: Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. 

Pattern's mission statement was developed by the Strategic Planning Committee as a basis for plotting a vision for the Hudson Valley.  That mission is to "preserve and promote the social, economic and natural environments of the Hudson Valley region by building consensus for a pattern of growth that will insure a high quality of life."

The term "quality of life" is a central concept to Pattern's mission.  Insuring a quality of life in the region requires both a healthy environment and economic vitality.  Together, these provide opportunities for well being and a sense of purpose.  Securing a high quality of life involves: protecting the natural environment and taking from it only those resources needed to promote economic prosperity; and providing adequate opportunities and incentives for capital formation and meaningful, gainful employment.