The Micron Community Engagement Committee (CEC) held another public meeting on October 18th at the Museum of Science & Technology, bringing together over 270 community members and stakeholders to discuss the exciting possibilities of this once-in-a-generation investment.
At the event’s visioning wall, participants wrote down their hopes for a thriving future for Central New York, describing what the region could become with equitable investment: an example and lighthouse for similar aspiring communities; a model for future generations; a community that is diverse; inclusive; prosperous; vibrant; innovative; resilient; healthier; and more connected to youth, local talent, and to each other.
Centering the Voice of Residents
Over the past two months, the CEC process has centered the voice of residents with a variety of community participation activities engaging diverse audiences throughout the region. In total, the CEC has reached more than 4,400 people across 22 events, the project website, and the community survey. The CEC has heard from more than 1,300 people through the project’s online and print survey. More than 1,000 people have been reached through canvassing. 298 people have been involved in 1-on-1 interviews, focus groups, and other presentations. 399 people attended the two public meetings in August and October, in total. Additionally, with more than 1,100 unique website visits, the MicronCEC.org project website has created transparency around project processes and updates.
What We’ve Heard and Learned from Community Members So Far
Here are some of the ideas that community members have shared with us across a variety of areas.
Education, Workforce, & Job Opportunities
Expanded outreach and incentives for participating in education and workforce opportunities; ambassador programs and connections through neighborhoods to ensure inclusive and welcoming programs
Increased K-12 wraparound services
Upskilling and reskilling programs
Digital and financial literacy education
Mentorship programs connecting students to tech and STEM professionals
Investments in trade schools, internships, and CTE programs
Enhance rural-urban connectivity, including transportation to education, workforce, and job opportunities
Inclusive hiring practices, second chance hiring, and wage enhancement programs
Career counseling and support
Language accessibility
MWVBE (Minority, Women, or Veteran Business Enterprise) & Small Business:
Support for small business certification
Access to funding, capital, low/no interest loans
Connections to Economic Development Organizations
Transparent and inclusive procurement and compliance processes
Flexible cash flow and insurance and bonding options
Support for aspiring minority entrepreneurs
Community Development, Housing, & Recreation:
Access to food and grocery stores
Cultural community centers, playgrounds, recreation centers, and youth programs
Services, structures, and support to families with children or adults with special needs
Access to affordable, safe housing - including rental property, property for purchase, senior housing, and transitional housing
Benefits and incentives for diverse housing types
Home ownership educational resources and first-time home ownership assistance
Housing stock rehabilitation, including lead, and homeowner preservation, anti-gentrification efforts
Increase park and recreation opportunities such as connections to Empire State Trail, Loop-the-Lake, and Onondaga Creek Walk
Healthcare & Childcare Capacity Building:
Attract support services to handle the existing population and potential growth, including medical, professional, child care, and elder care
Access to affordable healthcare, including in rural communities and telehealth
Increase in training and improved wages
Increase mental health services
24/7 daycare and subsidies for child care
Home-based child care support
Sustainable and Equitable Infrastructure Development:
Protect environmental assets such as water and farmland
Mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and the impacts of climate change on communities
More public transportation options, with central locations
Multi-modal transportation, including walking and bicycling infrastructure
Internet access, especially for low-income communities
Updates to roads and ongoing maintenance
EV charging infrastructure
Rural connectivity
Keep the Momentum Going
You can continue to stay updated on our progress via our website. You can also share more input - and encourage others to share as well - via this four-minute survey.
What’s Next
We are working to complete the Community Priorities Document by the end of 2023. With your input, the CPD will be a resource composed of transformational strategies to guide Micron and all who dedicate their time and resources to building a thriving community.