Blueprint for a Sustainable Economic Recovery for the Hudson Valley

By Melissa Everett, Ph.D.,

Executive Director, Sustainable Hudson Valley

Successful economies don’t just grow jobs or businesses; they build value, by connecting economic activity to local assets and needs. The current economic crisis is a result of divorcing economic activity from social or environmental values and even basic accountability. Recovery begins with a commitment to a new economic framework, building on assets and investing in the capacity of businesses to deliver real value for people and the environment. There is groundwork to be done: identifying deep inefficiencies including leakage of dollars and unwise use of resources. Working locally to replenish assets and restore the environment, is the source of home-grown green jobs that will stabilize our economy, and create a foundation for more realistic prosperity.

Here’s what we need to do, together:

1. Identify leaks of resources, and especially dollars, out of the region. Is the Valley over-reliant on absentee landlords, national pension funds, professional services in New York City, and the like? What regional alternatives can be created?

2. Develop a regional Business to Business marketplace. This strengthens locally owned businesses and the regional economy, while helping to grow strategic alliances and collaborations.

3. Help finance transformation by strengthening the companies that do it for a living. Nurture industry consortia in:

Zero waste – materials and energy-efficiency.

Clean (and abundant) water.

Green infrastructure that manages water, waste, energy, transport and communications linkages in environmentally advanced ways.

Interiors and furnishings using green design and materials.

Information and communications technology for sustainable development.

Local food systems.

4. Forget work force development. Invest in a knowledge force. Develop rich and unpredictable ways for people to learn by doing, linking green talent development with cutting-edge municipal initiatives to go green. Support online learning, stackable certificates linking adult ed to degree programs, professional master’s programs and above all, hands-on learning in connection with the rebuilding of our communities.

5. Use innovative projects to brand the place. Host design competitions and venture fairs. Create asset maps showing the region’s strengths. Tell the story through diverse media, from business journal feeds to talk radio. Connect globally through sister cities, towns and villages. Develop talent by involving the next generation in recovery efforts.