Urban Action Agenda: 

A Program in Motion

READ THE REPORT

NEW PATTERN FOR PROGRESS REPORT: HUDSON VALLEY’S TRANSFORMING CITIES AND URBAN AREAS ARE PREPARING FOR NEXT WAVE OF GROWTH

With New York City becoming more expensive, valley rolls out welcome mat;
Pattern’s data-driven analysis provides broad-based yet very local look at region’s evolution

The Hudson Valley’s cities and urban areas are revitalizing on numerous fronts, setting the stage to attract a new wave of residents drawn by safer and more attractive downtowns, diverse population centers, improving commuting options and increasing access to locally grown food, a new Hudson Valley Pattern For Progress report has found.

“Urban Action Agenda: A Program in Motion” identifies a blueprint destined to position the region as a magnet for residents and businesses. Pattern President and CEO Jonathan Drapkin expects an influx, over time, to the Hudson Valley from New York City as the city becomes too expensive for some.

“The valley has urban areas of all sizes to meet your needs,” Drapkin said. “Pattern works with all of them to make them better. No other entity focuses on small cities and urban areas as we do. This report shows the betterment of and creation of a marketing plan for the region.”

Pattern’s Urban Action Agenda is dedicated to working with 25 urban centers across Pattern’s nine-county region to strengthen their urban fabric, build upon their development areas, identify commonalities, help find solutions and work to reduce sprawl while promoting the preservation of green space.

Statistical analysis by Pattern For Progress’ Center For Housing Solutions and Urban Initiatives reveals:

  • Valley cities and urban areas are far safer than many perceive due to dramatic drops in crime rates.
  • The Hispanic population is growing in raw numbers and as a percentage of the population.
  • The percent of commuters using trains is increasing in most urban areas, carpooling is decreasing, and more people are walking to work.
  • Many closed schools across the Hudson Valley are finding creative new uses that serve the public.
  • There is increasing access to healthier food in cities and urban areas via farmers’ markets and community gardens.

And, while the valley’s diverse cities and urban areas are still revitalizing, they already offer numerous attractions, as well as quick access to regional amenities such as the arts, dining and history. “There is a Hudson Valley city to be found that will appeal to multiple lifestyle tastes,” Drapkin said.

The document provides charts and trends for specific cities – and a “bottom line” to measure progress over time.

“Cities and urban areas are coming back; they will power growth across the valley,” Drapkin said.