In a significant move to reshape the economic future of Northern New York, the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) has officially launched its 2026–2028 strategic plan, titled “Building Shared Prosperity.”
The three-year roadmap, unveiled in January 2026, focuses on creating a resilient, equitable, and locally owned economy across 14 counties. By aligning its core program pillars with five new strategic goals, ANCA aims to ensure the North Country remains a viable place to live and work for all residents.
The Five Strategic Goals
The “Building Shared Prosperity” plan moves away from static programming toward a dynamic, “living” strategy.
Resource Navigation & Empowerment: Providing accessible tools and guidance for individuals and small businesses to secure funding and growth.
Collaborative Regional Networks: Cultivating interconnected ecosystems among local entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and government agencies.
Solution Incubation: Generating innovative community-centered solutions for local challenges, from housing to childcare.
Sustainable Capacity Building: Strengthening the internal and external infrastructure needed to support long-term economic stability.
Narrative Shaping: Shifting the regional story to highlight the North Country as a hub for innovation and inclusion.
Core Program Pillars
The strategic plan reinforces four foundational areas where ANCA has a proven track record of impact.
| Program Pillar | 2026–2028 Focus |
| Small Business | Supporting the Center for Businesses in Transition (CBIT) to retain local ownership as owners retire. |
| Local Food Systems | Expanding food hubs and supporting small farms with flexible, zero-interest loans and infrastructure. |
| Climate & Energy | Connecting residents and municipalities with clean energy grants (e.g., NYSERDA’s Empower+). |
| Welcoming & Belonging | Centering diversity and equity through the Adirondack Diversity Initiative (ADI) to attract and retain new residents. |
Strategic Roadmap and Accountability
The plan is designed to be reviewed annually, ensuring the organization remains responsive to shifting regional needs.
Accountability: ANCA analyzed over 800 data points from focus groups and surveys to ensure the plan reflects the direct needs of Adirondack residents.
Organizational Excellence: A fifth internal pillar focuses on scaling ANCA’s operational capacity to meet the ambitious goals set for its 75th anniversary in 2030.
Equitable Focus: A redoubled commitment to those most often excluded from economic progress, encapsulated in the updated tagline: “A North Country for All.”
“This plan is a dynamic, living document. It identifies where we can have the greatest impact and how we can most effectively work alongside partners to build shared prosperity in our communities.” — Zach Hobbs, ANCA Deputy Director, Jan 2026
