Our Local Economy: Main Street, Infrastructure, & Jobs
We need smart and targeted economic development programs that invest in the core of Rensselaer County's economy – our Main Streets and workforce.
Give preference in county contracts to stakeholders that pay prevailing wages or employ a unionized workforce/labor.​
Promote and support strong buy-local policies and initiatives.
Provide county employees with a living wage of at least $15 an hour, rather than the state wage of $12.50/hour.
Support the rights of County employees to join unions and exercise collective bargaining rights.
Oppose privatization of services currently provided by County employees and sufficiently fund our human service agencies, including annual cost of living increases.
Create a county-level COVID-19 small business loan assistance fund, working with the County Chamber of Commerce and other business development entities.
Grants should range from $0 - $5,000.
Eligibility: located in Rensselaer County, must generate sales tax and show a decrease in revenues by at least 25%.
Assists with back rent, alterations made due to COVID-19 restrictions, PPE, and more.
Target economic development of small, locally-owned, and start-up businesses that create jobs.
Increase highway department funding and enact cost-saving measures to maintain more of our county roads and create jobs in the process. Our bridges and roads remain in significant disrepair.
Require county-funded economic development to connect residents to skill training, educational opportunities, apprenticeships, and employment.
Note: 94% of those who complete apprenticeships become employed upon completion.
Implement a Facade Improvement Program/Fund for Main Streets.