Chautauqua County Comprehensive Plan

Chautauqua County NY

WRT is assisting Chautauqua County, a stunning rural community in western New York, to prepare a new comprehensive plan. To address its current economic and population stagnation, the County is using WRT's "values-driven" planning approach to engage its citizens and other stakeholders to determine a vision for an economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable future. An "asset-based" economic development strategy recommended by WRT is a key component to accomplishing this vision. WRT is working with the County to identify its many natural, built and social assets and define what sustainability means based on those assets and the future aspirations of its citizens. WRT's "values-driven" planning process is also designed to create momentum for implementation by giving Chautauqua's citizens a stake in developing the plan and providing input on a detailed action plan. The end result from WRT's and the County's planning collaboration will be a clear plan for Chautauqua County to follow in maintaining its distinctive quality of life and promoting sustainable, local prosperity.