In late November, the Cornell University Population Center published an eye-opening report indicating that, if trends continue, New York could see a 13% drop in population by 2050.

Since population drives local tax revenue, as well as the amount of federal funding the state receives, people like Stephen Acquario have taken notice.

The executive director of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) told Capital Tonight that county executives are impressing upon policymakers the need to act now to improve economic development teams, as well as to ensure marketing campaigns feature the state’s positives: clean water, private and public higher education, airports, research hospitals and a highly skilled and educated labor force. 

Speaking to Capital Tonight’s Susan Arbetter, Acquario discussed why NYSAC considers population loss a “tipping point” for New York state.