2026 Summer IDA Academy - Capital Region
2026 Summer IDA Academy
Thursday, July 16th, 2026
Hilton Garden Inn Clifton Park, 30 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park, NY
Course Overview
The IDA Academy provides regular training for Industrial Development Agency (IDA) staff and executives on a variety of issues to help operate an IDA office more efficiently and effectively. The Summer 2026 Academy will offer training sessions that include best practices, tools available to IDAs, and public policy that impacts IDA authority and operation. The NYSEDC will administer this program in partnership with IDA members, state agencies, and other industry experts.
The New York State Authorities Budget Office (ABO) will provide a Board Training Session for IDA board members. Completion of the session satisfies the requirement that directors must participate in state-approved training as required by Section 2824 of Public Authority Law regarding their legal, fiduciary, financial, and ethical responsibilities as board members of an authority.
Networking Event at the Saratoga Race Course!
In addition, the NYSEDC is offering an optional networking event on Friday, July 17th at the Saratoga Race Course, a short 20-minute drive from the course venue.
Member Rate: $175.00
Future Member Rate: $225.00
Networking Event: $50.00 (add on during registration)
Event Location + Hotel Information
This single-day event takes place at the Hilton Garden Inn Clifton Park.
We will have a room block at the hotel for the evening prior, as well as the evening before our networking event at the Saratoga Race Course. More details and room block link will be in your event registration email!
Academy Agenda
8:00am - 9:00am
Registration, Breakfast, and Networking
9:00am - 9:10am
Welcome and Opening Remarks
- Ryan Silva | Executive Director, New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC)
9:10am - 10:00am
An Update on the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA)
- Dennis Elsenbeck | Head of Energy and Sustainability, Energy Consulting Services, Phillips Lytle LLP
10:00am - 11:00am
The New Math: Rethinking Development Pro Formas in a Changing Market
Construction costs, interest rates, operating expenses, rents, and capital markets have all shifted dramatically in recent years challenging many of the assumptions that once underpinned economic development projects. This candid discussion will bring together developers, financial analysts, and market experts to examine how project economics are evolving, what metrics are changing most rapidly, and where costs, revenues, and returns may be headed next. The panel will also explore how these dynamics vary across asset classes and geographies, including the distinct realities facing projects in Upstate and Downstate New York. Attendees will gain practical insights into the new realities shaping project feasibility and investment decisions across the state.
- Sarah Reginelli | Moderator | Senior Vice President, Ostroff Associates
- Steve Obermayer | BBL Construction Services
- Dan Fariello | President, Capital Bank, a division of Chemung Canal Trust Company
- Rachel Selsky | CEO, Camoin Associates, New England Office
11:00am - 12:30pm
New York State Authorities Budget Office (ABO): Training Session for IDA Board Members and Staff
Board members of public authorities are required to participate in State-approved training on their role and responsibilities within one year of appointment to a public authority board. Ann Maloney from the New York State Authorities Budget Office will conduct this training.
- Ann Maloney | Managing Director, Authorities Budget Office
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Lunch and Networking
1:30pm - 2:30pm
Adaptive Property Reuse: College Properties
As colleges close across Upstate New York and elsewhere, local and regional economic developers are seeking a way to respond to this continuing trend in their communities. Hear from experts who have been through the process as they provide a model for other communities to follow. Participants will discuss various aspects of these case studies including bankruptcy proceedings, setting up and staffing of a land authority, and planning and redevelopment of a campus.
- Kipp Hicks | Director, Madison County Industrial Development Agency
- Kevin O'Connor | CEO, Advance Albany County Alliance LDC and Director of Economic Development, Albany County Executive's Office
- Kate Brodock | CEO, 9Fresh | General Partner, Fresh Oughtness
2:30pm - 2:45pm
Refreshment Break
2:45pm - 3:45pm
Update on the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation: SEQRA Reforms and Wetlands
- Anthony Luisi | General Counsel and Deputy Commissioner, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
NYSDEC website with additional information linked here
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