McManus, Clint, and Nancy Sprehn. 2014. "Utica: Refugees and Revitalization." Upstate Case Studies, Dept. of City and Regional Planning, Cornell University.
This paper shows how Utica's strengths are much greater than its weaknesses, but the local government must support the current activities of community organizations and residents who are paving the way for Utica's recovery. Redevelopment is frustrated by State policies that limit local revenue raising(tax cap), reduce State aid (AIM) in real terms,and give tax breaks to new businesses (START-UP NY).Recovery requires both innovation and revenue. While the community needs investment and commitment from local government leaders, the City of Utica could use a measure of fiscal support from the State.
The presentation of this report presented at the State of New York Cities: Creative Responses to Fiscal Stress (2014) conference is available. Additionally, an executive summary is also available.
Subject: Upstate NY Fiscal Stress