Howard Zemsky, Western New York Regional Economic Development Council (WNYREDC) Co-Chair and Larkin Development Group Managing Partner, today spoke about the Buffalo Billion initiative at the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) Fall Meeting in New York City (October 21-23). The ULI Fall Meeting attracts more than 7,000 attendees annually. The event brings together every sector of the real estate industry in one place and attendees build relationships with developers, investors, architects, planners, brokers, academics, attorneys, decision makers and government officials. Dave Stebbins, Buffalo Urban Development Corporation Vice President, moderated Zemsky’s talk.
“The Urban Land Institute is recognized as one of the world’s most respected sources of objective information on urban planning, growth and development so to present to these experts was an honor,” said Zemsky. “The Buffalo Billion is a once in a lifetime opportunity to give Western New York a tremendous boost and I was pleased to spread the message that Buffalo is truly on the move.”
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in 2012 committed an historic $1 billion investment in the Buffalo area economy to create thousands of jobs and spur billions in new investment and economic activity over the next several years. This $1 billion commitment to economic excellence has set a new growth trajectory for jobs and the regional economy.
“A Path to Renewal: The Buffalo Billion Investment Development Plan” serves as a roadmap for implementation of Governor Cuomo’s plan. Developed by the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council, it identified six high-level strategies and the unique assets that will move the region forward on the path to sustainable, next-economy growth. High potential sectors include advanced manufacturing, health and life sciences, and tourism, while key enablers include entrepreneurship, workforce development and smart growth. The strategies are mutually reinforcing and together provide a framework that encompasses, contextualizes and aligns existing efforts, and guides future economic growth initiatives.
Zemsky is Managing Partner of the Larkin Development Group, which has redeveloped approximately 1 million square feet of historic building space in Buffalo. He co-chairs Governor Cuomo’s WNYREDC, is Chairman of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, and is President of the Board of the Richardson Restoration Corporation (the subject of a ULI Advisory Service Panel in 2007) and SUNY Buffalo State College Council. Zemsky holds a B.A from Michigan State University and an M.B.A from the University of Rochester.