New York Is Open For Business

State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor Dr. Nancy L. Zimpher and NYS Gov. Andrew Cuomo have joined forces to outline a vision for reopening New York State to business—with SUNY as the catalyst for progress.

“I am pleased to see a collaboration between SUNY and state government,” said Dr. John M. Anderson, Alfred State College president. “The new NYSUNY 2020 Challenge Grant Program will help lead economic revitalization in New York State.”

The NYSUNY 2020 Challenge Grant Program’s mission is to make SUNY a leading catalyst for job growth throughout the state, strengthen the academic programs of the University Centers, and demonstrate that New York is open for business, according to a jointly released statement.

The NYSUNY 2020 Challenge Grant Program will initially consist of $35 million in capital funding per school ($20 million administered by Empire State Development Corporation and $15 million from SUNY's construction fund) for the four SUNY University Centers. Phase one of the program is worth up to $140 million dollars to the SUNY University Centers in Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, and Stony Brook. The first round of approvals will be made by the end of this year.

The funding will be integrated with the Governor's Regional Economic Development Councils and administered by ESDC. The approach will leverage private sector and other source funding to further the goals of job creation and economic development.

“This is perfectly aligned with SUNY’s strategic plan, The Power of SUNY, which has as its pivotal goal the economic revitalization of our state and improving the quality of life of our citizens,” added Anderson.

According to SUNY officials, Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo and Stony Brook will now have the ability to put forth comprehensive proposals that both advance SUNY’s academic mission and spur regional development – economic activity that all 64 campuses can benefit from. Enabling SUNY’s university centers to open the doors to new opportunity will allow SUNY to bring that opportunity to scale for the entire system.

Local businesses, local governments and other parties will be able to make the most of what SUNY has to offer: world-class students, top-notch educators and researchers, and cutting-edge innovation.

“We are proud to be part of this collaboration,” Anderson continued. “It will allow SUNY’s university centers to become leading institutions of higher education and showcase SUNY’s diverse ability to bring jobs to New York—and it augurs well for all SUNY campuses.”