Planning for Economic Growth

Regional Impact: Supporting a Thriving County

The SCIDA’s place-based economic development has enabled infrastructure investments, tailored land use and planning actions, spurred real estate developments, and generated broad economic benefits.

Infrastructure

Planning championed by the SCIDA unlocked major infrastructure upgrades, catalyzed further investments, and promoted collaboration among multiple tiers of government.

• $129.5 million in grant funding has been secured to date in communities where the SCIDA led planning initiatives.
• Infrastructure enhancements are indispensable to driving market interest and development feasibility. Every $1 in infrastructure capital projects is estimated to lead to $13 in additional real estate investments.
• Funding comes from diverse federal, state, county, and local sources, exemplifying the collaborative nature in uplifting the region’s critical infrastructure.

Land use

The SCIDA’s initiatives built consensus and shared vision among communities and inspired tailored local land use and zoning actions.

• Successful community development starts with successful community engagement strategies. The SCIDA’s work involved dozens of community meetings that prepared the localities for greater and better-quality developments.
• Since the initial SCIDA-led planning efforts, 31 forward-looking local land use and zoning policies have moved forward, shaping more vibrant and inclusive communities across Suffolk County and driving economic development.

Real estate

The SCIDA spurred a new wave of development across Suffolk County and created a market advantage and attractive investment environment in local communities.

• Since the initial planning efforts, 5.9 million square feet (sq.ft.) of real estate projects have been built or entered the pipeline in the involved communities.
• The projects provide more than 1,600 new residential units, including nearly 300 affordable units.
• These new developments improve quality of life, encourage transit-oriented mixed use areas, attract talent, and support key sector growth.
• Overall, the SCIDA’s planning studies accelerated the pace of development by 65%.

Broader economic benefits

Throughout Suffolk County, the SCIDA’s work significantly boosted the building sector and is continuing to strengthen the foundation for long-term Countywide prosperity.

• After project build out and on a permanent basis, businesses and tenants are estimated to generate more than 11,000 jobs per year, $882 million labor income per year, $1.4 billion in GDP per year, and $2.5 billion in economic output per year.
• Most significantly, the developments support the growth and expansion of Suffolk County’s key sectors, including life sciences, hospitality and entertainment, logistics & distribution, and professional & business services.
• During the construction phase, infrastructure and real estate investments enabled by the SCIDA’s planning initiatives are estimated to create more than 15,000 total jobs, $1.4 billion labor income, $1.7 billion in GDP, and $2.7 billion in economic output (these include more than 10,000 construction jobs).

Local Progress: Strengthening Communities

Across municipalities, the initial seeds sown by the SCIDA have flourished, yielding
significant progress in diverse communities. Taken together, the work led by the SCIDA promotes smart growth and boosts Suffolk County’s economic competitiveness. The initiatives are impactful both in nurturing existing communities and attracting new talent and investments.

Investing in Suffolk County communities not only uplifts the standard of living for its residents, but also lays the groundwork for sustained economic growth and prosperity for generations to come. From livable neighborhoods to business-friendly spaces, a talent-rich workforce, and collaborative partnerships, the SCIDA’s holistic approach and multifaceted impact demonstrates its significance as a driving force behind Suffolk County’s prosperity.