Economic Development Initiatives
Downtown Revitalization Initiative
Downtown Elmira was selected as the winner of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative in the Southern Tier.
Strategically located between major commercial corridors, Elmira’s compact and walkable downtown is well positioned to become an active, desirable and diverse college community. Recent development has catered to the needs of new residents attracted by the recent growth of the region’s health care industry and impending college expansions. Under the DRI, Elmira will focus on attracting new businesses and skilled workers, strengthening arts and cultural attractions, expanding housing options for all income levels, and developing amenities to support and enhance downtown living and quality of life. The plan will include a greater variety of retail and housing, improving the aesthetics of downtown and capitalizing on natural assets such as the Chemung River.
Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative
In 2016 New York State selected the City of Elmira as on of sixteen communities statewide to participate in the Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative. Through ESPRI and a $1M planning and implementation grant, the city, residents, and stakeholders are able to work together to execute a plan that provides solutions to issues and harness opportunities that are making a meaningful difference in reducing poverty.
The Chemung County Property Development Corporation’s mission is:
“To acquire and return vacant, abandoned, and/or tax delinquent properties within the City of Elmira and Chemung County to uses that support community revitalization, sustained economic development and improvement of the financial condition of the City and County.”