Syracuse Skyline

Central New York Rising

A regional plan to generate robust economic growth and community development in Central New York.

Sky-high Economic Opportunity in Central New York

In 2015, the New York State Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI) was created to strategically focus on the economic development of Upstate NY, as part of the  Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs) initiative, which created long-term, regionally-based strategic plans for economic growth in each of New York State’s 10 geographic regions.  Central New York is at the crossroads of New York State’s highway systems and home to a number of industry sectors from health care and education to advanced manufacturing and financial services.  Agriculture is a $3.1B industry in the region, and Central New York also is becoming a global hub for the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) industry.  CNY Rising, the URI-winning strategic plan developed by the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council, identifies six strategic investment areas and initiatives, prioritizing investments based on regional strengths and opportunities for growth: 

  • Global Center for Unmanned Systems and Cross-Connected Platforms 
  • New York-Grown, New York-Certified - Safe and Market-Ready
  • Global Manufacturing and Logistics Hub
  • National Veterans Resource Complex
  • Consensus Commission on Government Modernization
  • Alliance for Economic Inclusion

Core investments in Central New York’s future have already begun, including the state’s unprecedented $35 million commitment for creation of a UAS test corridor between Syracuse and Griffiss Air Force Base/International Airport, Alliance for Economic Inclusion investments in higher education opportunities for students in Syracuse city schools, and a Genius NY marquee business competition spurring entrepreneurship and healthy competition in the UAS field.  Thanks to these investments and others, Central New York is on a path to increasing jobs, increasing regional wealth, leveraging private investment and reducing poverty in the region. 

Central New York's URI plan provides a comprehensive view of the region's strategic economic goals.

Central New York: Where Innovation Takes Flight

Central New York, a world leader in education, high tech and agriculture, has taken off as a center for unmanned aircraft.

Syracuse: Smart City, Smart Solutions

Advanced industries are vital to the nation’s economic future—and Syracuse, N.Y., is bursting with the right DNA for these companies to thrive.

Strategic Initiatives

See how the state investment in Central NY is transforming the region through support for the unmanned aerial systems industry, locally-sourced food, global manufacturing and logistics, opportunities for veterans, modernizing government systems and promoting economic inclusion for all.

NUAIR Alliance

NUAIR Alliance

This New York-based coalition oversees test ranges for the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) industry.

The Tech Garden Syracuse

The Tech Garden Syracuse

The Tech Garden is a center of Upstate's entrepreneurial ecosystem, with programs and  support for business success.

Central NY Biotech Accelerator

Central NY Biotech Accelerator

This LEED-certified facility offers lab space, education and more for companies commercializing biotech innovation.

Syracuse Center of Excellence

Syracuse Center of Excellence

The CoE engages faculty, students and industry collaborators in energy and environmental R&D and innovation.

Genius NY

Genius NY

The year-long business accelerator competition, with a $1 million top prize, is focused on unmanned systems.

Explore the Central New York Region

Find out how Central New York's diverse economy and emerging sectors are contributing to the region’s economic vitality.

Central New York Regional Economic Development Council

Visit the Central New York REDC site to access more opportunities and information.

Regional Office


Daniel Kolinski, Acting Regional Director
620 Erie Boulevard West – Suite 112
Syracuse, NY 13204
United States

United States

United States

United States

United States

United States

United States

United States