The May 2025 Rockland Roundtable highlights the inaugural Economic Development Forum, where County leaders, business organizations, and residents came together to discuss strategies for economic growth. Hosted at JCC Rockland, the day featured panels with officials from the County, Empire State Development, and local organizations. Key topics included housing affordability, job creation, investment trends, and infrastructure, with nearly $10 billion in investment generated over the past decade. Speakers emphasized the importance of government leadership, cross-town collaboration, and data-informed advocacy to drive progress across Rockland.
An evening session invited the public to weigh in through interactive exhibits on housing, quality of life, and economic wellbeing. Residents voiced both support for a diverse economy and concerns about downtown development, and many admitted to being unsure how to engage in local planning efforts. Feedback called for more communication, events, and youth involvement. Jenna Nazario, Rockland’s Economic Development Director, announced that this event marks the beginning of a broader engagement process, including surveys, future events, and a new podcast to keep the community informed and involved .
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