Urban Action Agenda: The Evolution Continues

The Urban Action Agenda is a multi-year initiative led by Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress to promote the revitalization and growth of urban centers throughout the nine-county Hudson Valley region, which includes Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster, Sullivan, Columbia and Greene counties. The urban centers include the region’s villages and cities where populations and social, cultural, civic and economic activity has traditionally clustered. With their existing infrastructure, access to transit, and history of dense development, these communities are well positioned to accommodate the region’s future growth. Pattern also believes that a focused approach to growth in the region’s urban areas can help protect and preserve green space for the benefit for all.

Funding for launching the UAA was initially provided by a multi-year grant from The Ford Foundation and by generous donations from many of Pattern’s board of directors and members. In the past year, Pattern has received state and federal grants focused on UAA projects as well as funding from multiple municipalities and Pattern board members. Consistent with Pattern’s role as a policy, planning, advocacy and research organization whose mission is to enhance the growth and vitality of the Hudson Valley, the UAA aims to make the revitalization of our urban areas a priority for local, regional and state policy makers. Though the UAA will benefit all urban areas in the Hudson Valley as well as surrounding suburban and rural areas, the UAA’s focus is on working with 25 urban centers across the nine-county region. Pattern will seek to identify collaborative opportunities, best practices, resources and expertise that can be shared to advance these urban areas.