Newburgh, New York (June 24, 2021) – As New York State lifts the State of Emergency, Pattern for Progress issues a new report: “The Pathway Forward.” In the paper, Pattern suggests the region immediately needs to focus on four key areas during recovery:

  • WORKFORCE – getting people back to work,
  • HOUSING – increasing the housing supply,
  • MAIN STREET – the revitalization of the region’s rural and urban centers, and
  • DIGITAL VALLEY – the expansion of broadband throughout the region.

As the region surveys the damage incurred by the pandemic and the economic disruption, businesses and institutions are thinking about the best way forward. To assist in that process, Pattern convened several working groups of its board members to evaluate the issues that were highlighted over the last fourteen months, and to suggest strategies for how to address key challenges in the region.

“As we move into the recovery stage, we cannot forget the lessons we learned. We must integrate and innovate in order for the region to revitalize,” said Suzanne Loughlin, Board Chair of Pattern for Progress, and Founder, Executive Vice President, and General Counsel of CrisisRisk Strategies.

In the report, Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress announces several new initiatives including:

  • The Job Connection Task Force (JCTF) – created and facilitated by Pattern, it is comprised of the Hudson Valley’s economic development and workforce leaders  to ensure we have the workforce to meet the needs of the emerging economy;
  • “MAIN STREET Hudson Valley” – which focuses upon the region’s urban and rural centers;
  • The “Digital Valley” – which promotes strategies and policies that accelerate the Hudson Valley moving into the digital world and,

Pattern will rely on its established Center for Housing Solutions & Community Initiatives to address the housing crisis.

“While Pattern has chosen these areas to focus upon, we recognize there are many others that need the region’s attention. Our organization feels these four are deeply entwined and are critical to stabilizing our quality of life and help bring us out of the Pandemic,” said Jonathan Drapkin, President and CEO of Pattern for Progress.

Joe Czajka, Pattern for Progress Senior Vice President for Research, Development, & Community Planning and Executive Director, of the Center for Housing Solutions & Community Initiatives added, “The goal of these strategies is to ensure that the post-pandemic region provides solutions that are diverse, equitable and inclusive, while providing opportunities for increased housing, the integration of technology, vibrant communities, and a strong regional workforce.”

“The Pathway Forward” report is available to the public on Pattern’s website:
https://www.pattern-for-progress.org/portfolio/the-pathway-forward/

About Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress

Hudson Valley Pattern For Progress is  policy, planning, advocacy and research nonprofit that has promoted regional, balanced and sustainable solutions for the Hudson River Valley since 1965. Visit Pattern-For-Progress.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.