Rochester Beacon (https://rochesterbeacon.com/category/economy/page/2/)
In many U.S. regions, good-paying jobs and college-educated people are returning to cities, reversing suburban flight. New research by urban studies expert Richard Florida offers the opportunity to benchmark Rochester against the nation’s largest cities.
One goal of the new draft comprehensive plan is to make neighborhoods more vibrant by increased residential density. But unless parking requirements are maintained, this would drive out higher-income residents who can afford the oversize 19th century homes that lend character to center city.
A highly educated workforce and other assets have helped our region in its transition to a knowledge-based economy. But at the same time, are Rochester and other midsize metropolitan areas falling farther behind tech powerhouses like Boston, New York City and San Francisco?
Deindustrialization left our region with a rich and storied history, but no clear path to the future. Now, the founders of globally competitive local companies are showing how to leverage the research and talent that sets upstate apart.
At a recent RocGrowth event, Marnie LaVigne of LaunchNY and Nasir Ali of Upstate Venture Connect described what their nonprofit organizations are doing to help entrepreneurs be successful in Upstate New York. (video)
Small, independent brewing operations have boomed in Rochester and statewide, but overall beer consumption nationwide has stalled. Are craft brewers also nearing a saturation point?
Greater Rochester’s biggest asset is our water. But we can’t afford to be complacent; only 1 percent of Great Lakes water is renewable—and it’s increasingly under threat.
What makes a city great? Does Rochester have what it takes to become one?
Economic developers talk of “ecosystems,” a recognition that institutions, concentrations of knowledge and focused leadership spur economic vitality and growth. There is no stronger example in Rochester than the ecosystem that nurtures creative expression.
ROC2025 is a new partnership between Rochester Downtown Development Corp., Greater Rochester Enterprise and the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. It is designed to put private money to work to attract and retain businesses.