Industrial Development Agencies in the Finger Lakes region showed varied performance in 2023, according to the New York State Comptroller’s annual report analyzing tax exemptions, job creation, and economic impact across counties.
Ontario and Seneca counties lead in job gains
Ontario County reported the strongest job creation performance in the region, with 1,800 net jobs gained across 50 projects. Its IDA-backed developments generated an estimated 805 new jobs and retained 2,483 positions. These projects had a total value of $573.3 million and cost local governments $7.7 million in net tax exemptions.
Seneca County followed closely with 804 net jobs gained from 28 projects. Estimated jobs to be created reached 1,568, while 460 were retained. The county’s projects benefited from $2.3 million in net tax exemptions on $621.3 million in project value.
Tompkins, Steuben also showed strong employment outcomes
Tompkins County reported 673 net jobs gained on 58 projects valued at over $1.1 billion. IDA-backed efforts created 876 new jobs and retained 1,379. Net tax exemptions totaled $8.3 million, with the agency spending $1.16 million to manage its portfolio.
Steuben County gained 726 jobs across 59 projects, generating 877 estimated new jobs and retaining 4,945. Net tax exemptions cost $8.7 million for projects totaling nearly $1.65 billion in value.
Cayuga and Wayne counties delivered modest returns
Cayuga County IDA-supported projects gained 251 net jobs from 13 active initiatives valued at $363.6 million. Estimated job creation was just 286, with 394 retained. The county issued $1.1 million in net tax exemptions and spent only $140,000 to administer the programs.
Wayne County reported 638 net jobs gained across 39 projects, with an estimated 800 jobs created and 1,381 retained. Net tax exemptions totaled $2.6 million on $260.2 million in project value.
Yates and Schuyler counties trailed in economic impact
Yates County added 555 jobs through 37 projects. Estimated job creation was 245, with 361 jobs retained. Its IDA distributed $1.3 million in net tax exemptions on $187.5 million in total project value.
Schuyler County recorded the smallest gains, with 154 net jobs from 26 projects. These initiatives were valued at $129.8 million and benefited from $500,000 in net tax exemptions—one of the lowest totals in the region.
Region-wide impact
The Finger Lakes region, which includes all eight counties, led the state in new IDA projects with 44 initiated in 2023—nearly all driven by Monroe County. Altogether, the region saw $85.9 million in net tax exemptions and 21,294 net jobs gained, with an average cost of $4,035 per job gained.
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