City leaders are launching a new effort aimed at strengthening downtown Geneva and boosting economic development.
Mayor Jim Cecere announced the creation of a Downtown and Economic Vitality Ad Hoc Committee, an advisory group focused on improving how the city supports businesses and downtown growth.
The committee will review current policies, processes, and organizational structures tied to downtown and economic development. The goal is to find ways to improve coordination, clarify accountability, and focus more on results.
“This committee is about taking a hard look at how we support downtown and economic development today, and how we can do it more effectively,” Cecere said. “We have multiple agencies and entities involved in this work, and it’s important that they are aligned, focused on outcomes, and positioned to deliver real results for businesses, residents, and the community.”
The group will examine existing downtown conditions, study best practices from similar communities, and evaluate whether current partnerships help or hinder economic success. The committee will then make recommendations to the mayor and City Council.
“Downtown is the economic engine of the City of Geneva,” said Councilor James Petropoulos. “A strong downtown supports local businesses, attracts new investment, and improves quality of life for residents.”
Councilor John Brennan said the effort aims to make Geneva a place of choice for businesses and investors by taking a more coordinated approach and building on strengths like the visitor economy.
The committee includes Cecere as chair, City Councilors Petropoulos and Brennan, local business owners, and economic development professionals with experience in downtown revitalization, manufacturing, hospitality, and municipal finance.
The advisory committee will meet regularly over a set period and provide updates before issuing final findings and recommendations.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].