Franklin County Begins Economic Development Strategy Update

The Franklin County Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) has kicked off an update to the county’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), a guiding framework for job creation, business support, and community resilience across the region.

This update is not just about the final strategy, it is about the process, and Franklin County is starting by listening. On April 21, 2025, the FCEDC will launch a public survey to gather a diversity of perspectives on the county’s current economic landscape, to build a shared vision for the future, and to identify solutions that provide economic opportunities and prosperity for all. The survey can be accessed directly from the FCEDC website at: https://adirondackfrontier.com/ceds

The FCEDC aims for the CEDS to be a living, community-driven blueprint shaped by Franklin County’s residents, business owners and local leaders, and to identify shared priorities, strategies and opportunities for economic development throughout the region. 

“We want this to be a living, community-driven blueprint,” said Jeremy Evans, CEO of FCEDC. “The people who know this region best—our residents, our businesses, our local leaders—should help shape where we go next. This process is about collaboration, shared priorities, and making sure Franklin County and its communities are ready for the opportunities ahead.”

The CEDS update process is guided by five key goals:

1. Engage the Community | Create opportunities for residents, businesses, and organizations across all sectors to share their insights and help shape the county’s economic future.
2. Gather and Apply Meaningful Data | Use current, relevant data to understand local trends, challenges, and opportunities—and to make informed, strategic decisions.
3. Identify Shared Priorities | Build alignment among stakeholders to focus on initiatives that can drive countywide impact and long-term resilience, while remaining flexible enough to support the distinct needs of individual communities.
4. Attract Investment | Position Franklin County to successfully pursue state, federal, and philanthropic funding by developing a strategy that is clear, credible, and forward-looking.
5. Strengthen and Grow the Local Economy | Identify high-impact strategies to strengthen Franklin County EDC’s support for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and key sectors such as agriculture, forestry, healthcare, tourism, and clean energy.

Based on extensive data collection, analysis and public input, the CEDS Plan will result in the development of a strategic roadmap focused on addressing economic development concerns, improving business opportunities and promoting resilient communities. Throughout the process of developing the CEDS, there will be multiple opportunities for public participation and input. 

Media Contact

Kelly Brunette

Franklin County Economic Development Corporation

Phone: (518) 483-9472

Email: kelly@adirondackfrontier.com