Meet Ulster County's New Economic Director Kevin Lynch

by Bond Brungard

KINGSTON – It’s an office that gives the impression of a space to think, with white walls, good lighting, a laptop tracking Wall Street, and a board for mathematical expression - so the occupant can seek a bright perspective for moving forward. The office belongs to Kevin Lynch, who has served for three months as Ulster County’s newest economic director.

 “Actually, it has been very engaging,” said Lynch, getting acclimated to his position. “I think there are so many different things to do here both professionally and socially.”

Lynch is a Queens native with an undergraduate degree in public policy and finance and a graduate degree in urban and environmental studies. And he has used them professionally to work in finance and the clean energy sectors prior to coming to work for Ulster County.

As the economic development director, Lynch is hoping to combine economic and housing development with the reality of trying to limit the human impact of accomplishing those goals.

“There are initiatives in the county and state level to reduce emissions,” said Lynch, “and we in the economic development department play a very integral part of that, in identifying resources for businesses and people to avail themselves to help reduce emissions in the county.”

And that goal to help the planet means the inclusion of public groups and businesses, so government and the people it serves benefit from the same effort and results.

“Our role is to also collaborate with our community partners, education, local businesses, non-for-profits, in supporting sustainable and inclusive growth for all residents of Ulster County,” he said. “These partners are going to be extremely helpful.”

Ulster County has the benefit of location with fertile valleys for agriculture, mountains and lakes for refreshment and recreation, and a hospitality sector to help visitors enjoy the county. Ulster County also has a trained workforce and adaptive educational institutions, such as regional community colleges and four-year institutions, to train those needed in health care, education, and current and upcoming future industries.

“I believe the iPark 87 project will be a catalyst for economic activity in the county by attracting businesses, workforce development and housing for residents,” he said. Kingston’s former IBM facility is the now the site of iPark 87, and it is located between the Thruway, and a bridge leading over the Hudson River to Dutchess County, New England and beyond. And it’s a place where the county hopes to grow a clean energy sector for jobs and the environment.

“The clean energy sector is one of the biggest opportunities for business and workforce development in the county,” said Lynch. “Green investment will be the multi-year secular theme driving the next wave of infrastructure. The focus will also be on workforce development programs to train workers in solar installation and building retrofits. These programs should have an eye to promoting social and racial equity.”

The county has many sectors of economic growth including some light industry, hospitality, tourism and agriculture.  Apples and other fruits, vegetables and grains are part of Ulster County’s agricultural sector that helps feed the food chain and serve brewers and distillers, adding to our growing ag-tourism and hospitality sectors. And New York state’s legalization of recreational marijuana is a new industry the county seeks to cash in on.

“Cannabis is an area the county is really focused on, and that also proves to be a good foundation for job development,” said Lynch. “Cannabis production is also seen as an area where Ulster County’s advantages in proximity to markets combined with land costs make it attractive.”

The county’s convenient location to millions of consumers in the population centers in the Northeast corridor benefits local producers. But workers also face a daunting challenge living in a region known for its high housing costs. And it’s an issue and challenge Lynch is keenly aware of, so problems can be solved for the workers and businesses that employ them.

“Affordable housing is a major challenge. With the out-migration from New York City and in migration into the county, the affordable housing sector continues to experience weakness. Single-family home prices have increased dramatically over the last few years putting pressure on available supply and affordability,” said Lynch. “The lack of affordable housing constrains workforce initiatives with employers seeking to locate to the county. The county continues to collaborate with strategic partners such as RUPCO and has undertaken several other initiatives to support affordable housing. The county is exploring options to preserving the supply of existing multifamily rental properties that are affordable without public subsidy.”