VIEWPOINT: Broome County’s Transformation

When I first stepped into the role of Broome County Executive [in early 2017], I wasn’t interested in lip service or finger-pointing. I knew that Broome County had the bones of a great community — strong people, a rich history, and neighborhoods full of potential. What we needed was a plan, hard work, and a commitment to doing right by our people. Since then, we’ve gotten a lot done — not through slogans or speeches, but by rolling up our sleeves and getting to work. Today, Broome County is moving forward again and experiencing a remarkable transformation, and I’m proud to share some of the ways we’ve helped bring new life to this place we all call home. One of the biggest challenges — and opportunities — we’ve tackled head-on is housing. For years, we saw young families struggling to find affordable homes, seniors in need of safe options to age in place, and neighborhoods burdened by aging or abandoned properties. So, we got to work. Just this year alone, Broome County is supporting the construction of more than 650 new housing units — from workforce housing and senior apartments to mixed-use downtown projects. We’ve worked closely with municipal and state leaders, and nonprofit developers to help make these projects a reality. And next year we plan to build another 850 housing units. This isn’t just about buildings. It’s about restoring pride, giving families stability, and building a future where every resident has a place they’re proud to call home. A big part of revitalizing Broome County has been breathing new life into our economy. With a record-low unemployment rate, we’ve worked hard to attract investment, support our local businesses, and get more people into good-paying jobs — right here at home. Take Oakdale Commons in Johnson City. What was once a struggling mall is now becoming a thriving destination offering health care, recreation, shopping, and more. It’s not just about stores — it’s about jobs, momentum, and reimagining how we use our spaces to serve people better. Beyond the Commons, we’ve seen more than $500 million in private investment in just the last year. That includes new manufacturing centers like BAE’s recent $65 million battery production line and expanding medical services that not only treat patients, but also employ our neighbors. We’ve also worked closely with SUNY Broome and Broome-Tioga BOCES to align training programs with the needs of today’s employers, so we can keep more of our young talent right here. While some improvements are big and visible, others are simply about making daily life easier and safer. Last year we paved a record number of miles of roads and repaired aging bridges — the kind of projects that make a difference every time someone drives to work, takes the kids to school, or gets groceries. We’ve upgraded 911 systems and emergency communications so our first responders can respond quickly and reliably — even in rural areas. The Greater Binghamton Airport, in the town of Maine, is undergoing a major transformation with a redesigned terminal, which serves as a gateway to our community and will soon reflect the growth happening across Broome County. Through our countywide Parks Improvement Program, we’re giving our parks major upgrades — like the transformation underway at Grippen Park, which will soon feature new pickleball courts, a winter ice rink, wiffle ball stadium, and so much more. Otsiningo Park, Nathaniel Cole Park, and others across the county are getting more use than ever. Families are walking, kids are playing, and people are rediscovering the joy of the outdoors — right in their own backyard. We’ve also tackled blight, helped towns demolish abandoned structures, and cleaned up properties that were dragging neighborhoods down. These small wins add up to big changes. We’ve hosted events that put Broome County on the map — like the back-to-back champion Binghamton Black Bears [minor-league hockey team] making national headlines, and the county hosting the New York State boys’ and girls’ softball championships. These events along with all our other great local festivals bring people here, boost local pride, and show what our community has to offer. Through it all, we’ve kept our financial footing strong. Seven straight property tax rate decreases. A stronger credit rating. A huge increase in our rainy-day savings fund, and smart, conservative management of public dollars. I believe government works best when it’s transparent, focused, and efficient — and that’s how we’ve run Broome County. We’re not slowing down. Over the next few years, we’ll keep pushing to create more housing, grow our economy, and expand the services that improve lives. That includes new public-transportation options, more jobs and housing, and continued investment in the health and safety of our residents. Broome County is on the rise — not because of any one program or person, but because we believed in our community and worked together to make things happen. I’m proud of how far we’ve come — and excited about where we’re going. The work isn’t finished, but the foundation is solid. And together, we’ll keep building something great.      

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Jason T. Garnar is the Broome County Executive. Contact him at county.executive@broomecountyny.gov