Projects focus on civic issues that affect the quality of life in Hudson Valley communities; agenda includes studies on emergency housing, rural transportation, and re-use of malls
NEWBURGH – Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress today announced its independent research agenda for 2024, including an analysis of the region’s short-term and emergency housing crisis, a playbook for the adaptive reuse of large shopping malls, and an examination of the volunteer shortage facing fire districts and ambulance corps.
Independent research has been a hallmark of Pattern’s work in the Hudson Valley since the nonprofit was founded in 1965 by the region’s academic, business, and nonprofit leaders. Pattern selects a handful of civic issues to study each year, focusing on those that are most timely and relevant to challenges in the nine-county region.
Pattern’s research and planning team will analyze the following topics in 2024:
The short-term and emergency housing crisis in the Hudson Valley – Counties have reported that the number of people living in temporary and emergency housing has increased significantly in recent years, along with the average length of stay. The increasing demand for temporary shelter has forced many counties to send their un-housed residents to live in hotels in neighboring counties, forcing children into long bus rides back to their hometown schools. This is a huge inconvenience for families that are already in distress, and a huge cost to taxpayers. Pattern will examine the uptick in demand for temporary shelter, and underscore practical solutions that might help.
Solar energy and farmland – With solar arrays being installed on more farmland throughout the region, Pattern will explore how these two uses might complement each other rather than competing for the same land. New agrivoltaic technologies are making it possible for farmers to cultivate energy and food at the same time. Pattern will explore the role of local governments in allowing these new technologies on working farms and preserved farmland, and the roles that regulations and zoning might play in their near-term viability.
A playbook for the adaptive re-use of shopping malls – This project will look at national and international examples that brought new life back to dormant shopping malls and their gigantic parking lots. Every county in the Hudson Valley has a mall that is empty or near empty, and parking lots that are unlikely to ever be filled again. This project will examine how others have revitalized these buildings and lands and put them back into productive use.
An examination of gaps in rural transportation – Several Pattern studies in 2023 underscored that gaps in rural transportation are exacerbating making it more difficult for our neighbors to access food, healthcare, and other necessities. Approximately 1 in 10 people who live in our rural areas do not own a car, and public transportation options in these communities are often sparse. Pattern will examine new transportation models that could help people reach their destinations, and how technology might play an expanded role in the efficient and effective provision of rural transportation.
The volunteer crisis facing fire districts and EMS – A deepening shortage of volunteers has affected many of our civic organizations, but this pinch might have the most dire consequences on our fire districts and emergency medical services. Pattern will analyze the volunteer shortage, services deserts, and the long-term challenges connected to the current structure of service delivery for our valued first responders.
“Our independent research and planning projects aim to help civic leaders across the Hudson Valley make evidence-based decisions about our most salient challenges and opportunities,” Pattern CEO Adam Bosch said. “The Pattern team is excited to work this year on projects related to housing, adaptive reuse, transportation, and agriculture – all of which go to the heart of our wellbeing and the quality of life in communities throughout the region.”
“Every community in the Hudson Valley will benefit from some aspect of Pattern’s independent research in 2024,” said Mary Beth Bianconi, chair of the Pattern Board of Directors. “With a broad range of issues identified by a diverse group of regional stakeholders, Pattern’s fact-based, objective research on these topics will support regional and local leaders in municipalities, businesses and nonprofits in creating and implementing plans to address the pressing issues related to short-term and emergency housing, solar energy and farmland, adaptive reuse of shopping malls, gaps in rural transportation and the declining number of volunteer for vital local emergency services.”
“The 2024 research agenda was the result of a true constituent-based survey of the issues we in the Hudson Valley will face in the new year,” said David Cooper, a Pattern board member and co-chair of the organization’s Research Working Group. “It was encouraging to see so
many people participate in the feedback sessions leading up to selecting the topics covered in this year’s agenda. It was a classic Pattern moment – bringing together so many thought leaders from throughout the region to identify a diverse range of challenges the organization can explore solving. I am proud to be a member of this great organization, and look forward to seeing Pattern’s conclusions on each topic we selected.”
“I am honored to be a part of an organization dedicated to delving into the critical issues that deeply resonate within our communities,” said Shannon Mannese, a Pattern board member and co-chair of the organization’s Research Working Group. “Our collective commitment to addressing these concerns reflects a profound dedication to fostering positive change and progress.”
In addition to the projects listed above, Pattern will also produce several annual reports including Out of Reach, its annual analysis of housing affordability; and Moving In, Moving Out, its annual analysis the movement of people into and out of the Hudson Valley.
Pattern’s independent research agenda for 2024 was informed by significant input from civic leaders across the region who submitted more than 60 ideas for consideration. Those research ideas were whittled down to a final 10, and then voted upon by Pattern members. All the research projects are fully funded by Pattern members who support the nonprofit’s mission to provide thorough, accurate, and objective research to civic leaders throughout the Hudson Valley.
Completed reports will be released throughout 2024 as they are finished, and Pattern will create opportunities for civic leaders to hear about the findings and ask questions of our professional planners and researchers. Recent research projects from Pattern have included The Great People Shortage and its Effects on the Hudson Valley, which analyzed our shrinking labor pool and its effects on the region; EV Charging in the Hudson Valley, which provided advice on the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure; and Overcoming Barriers to Affordable Homeownership, which outlined impediments and strategies related to homeownership in the region.
About Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress
Hudson Valley Pattern For Progress is a policy, planning, advocacy and research nonprofit that has promoted regional, balanced, sustainable, and equitable solutions for the Hudson River Valley since 1965. Visit Pattern-For-Progress.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
