A coalition of nonprofits started the new year by calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to address the struggles of rural communities across the state.
According to a letter sent on January 2, “Issues ranging from access to broadband and healthcare to affordable housing and a quality education were all laid bare by the economic and social dislocation created by the pandemic.”
To address these and other issues, the group believes that “Rural New York needs an ombudsman, a partner in state government with the clout of the Executive Chamber that can connect state agencies and resources with rural constituencies, and lead efforts to develop a comprehensive strategy to address long-standing hurdles to Rural New York’s revitalization.”
The group notes that Hochul is the first governor from upstate New York in 100 years and knows “first-hand the struggles that rural communities across our state have faced over the years and that were amplified by the pandemic.”
In the letter, the advocates call on the Governor to reinstate the Office of Rural Affairs by including funding for it in the Executive Budget. The Office was dissolved more than 20 years ago.
“Small and rural municipalities often do not have the capacity – either staffing or know-how – to access state resources,” said Michael J. Borges, Executive Director of the Rural Housing Coalition. “Multiple state agencies are involved in the process of getting a revitalization project off the ground, and this can be overwhelming for part-time municipal leaders and staff. An Office of Rural Affairs would serve as an advocate and provide a single point of contact for rural communities to apply for state funding and assist in resolving issues.”
“In a state as diverse as New York, it is essential to acknowledge the vital role and contributions of rural communities to the state’s economy and overall identity,” said Chris Koetzle, Executive Director of the New York Association of Towns. “These communities form a significant part of New York’s fabric.
NYAOT supports our rural towns by advocating for the funding of the Office of Rural Affairs.”
According to David A. Little, Executive Director, Rural Schools Association, “An Office of Rural Affairs will help coordinate programs and services needed to reinvigorate our state.”
“It is so important to do everything in our power to ensure the success of rural areas in New York,” said Ryan Silva, Executive Director of the New York State Economic Development Council. “That is why we support the reintroduction of a New York State Office of Rural Affairs. It’s the right thing to do for the economy, for New Yorkers, and for the state.”
“New York State needs a comprehensive strategy to meet the needs of rural New Yorkers, and a good first step would be to bring back the Office of Rural Affairs,” Borges continued. “I urge the Governor to heed our request and include Executive Budget funding to re-establish this one-stop shop for rural communities to access a wide variety of state government resources.”
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