Chautauqua County's economic landscape is facing a stark reality, as recent discussions reveal a significant decline in employment over the past two decades. During the Planning & Economic Development Committee meeting on December 11, 2024, a committee member presented alarming statistics showing a drop from approximately 64,000 employed persons in 2009 to around 54,000 today—a loss of nearly 10,000 jobs.

The committee member emphasized the urgency of addressing this decline, noting that the civilian labor force has mirrored this downturn, falling from about 68,000 to the current levels. "Our primary concern as an economic development committee should be jobs for our people," they stated, highlighting the critical need for strategic planning to reverse this trend.

In light of these figures, the committee was urged to adhere to the county charter, which mandates the establishment of comprehensive financial management and investment policies. The speaker called for the committee to set clear goals and performance measures aimed at job creation and retention, suggesting a target of increasing employment by 1,000 jobs by 2025 or 2026.

The discussion underscored a broader concern about the county's economic health and the necessity for proactive measures to stimulate growth. As the committee prepares for the upcoming budget cycle, the focus will be on developing actionable strategies to stabilize and eventually increase employment in Chautauqua County. The meeting concluded with a call to action for all members to engage in this critical planning process, ensuring that the county's economic development efforts align with the pressing needs of its workforce.