About the Plan:

Launched in the fall of 2025, the Arts and Culture Strategic Master Plan seeks to create a unified vision and strategy for the future of arts, culture, and heritage in Broome and Tioga Counties. Funded by the Empire State Development (ESD) Strategic Planning and Feasibility Studies Grant Program, the project includes the following key elements:

1) Inventory & Assessment of Existing Arts and Cultural Resources

2) Arts & Culture Impact Analysis

3) Branding & Marketing Evaluation & Strategy Development

4) Recommendations & Implementation Strategy

A robust community engagement plan will guide the planning process, with multiple opportunities for stakeholders to learn more about the project and get involved. Go to the “Get Involved” page to learn more.

The Arts and Culture Strategic Master Plan is an update to the 2009 Susquehanna Heritage Area Management Plan Amendment (SHAMPA), which builds on prior planning efforts to promote the historic, cultural, recreational, and natural resources of the Susquehanna Heritage Area, which encompasses Broome and Tioga Counties. The Susquehanna Heritage Area was first recognized by the New York State Legislature in 1982.

Steering Committee

A local Steering Committee will guide the planning process, providing insights into past, present, and future opportunities to shape arts and culture within Broome and Tioga Counties. Members of the Steering Committee are listed below:

  • Amanda McIntyre, Executive Director, Klee Foundation

  • Beth Lucas, Director of Planning, Southern Tier 8 Regional Board

  • Beth Roberts, Executive Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension

  • Chris Marion, General Manager, Broome County Forum Theatre & Arena

  • Christina Di Stefano, Executive Director, Tioga Arts Council

  • Gerry Smith, Director, Tioga Historic Society

  • Hall Groat II, Professor in Art and Design Department, SUNY Broome

  • Jenny Chang, Executive Director, Broome County Arts Council

  • Jim Reyen, Local Artist (Office of Placemaking for the GB Chamber)

  • John Rozzoni, General Director, Tri Cities Opera

  • Juliet Berling, Director of Planning, City of Binghamton

  • Katie Cahill, Broome County Executive Office

  • Michael Grasso, Executive Director, Roberson Museum

  • Ronald Harting, Mayor, Village of Windsor

  • Steven Bachman, Four County Library System

Through this planning process, we will create a shared vision to celebrate, connect, and grow the cultural heartbeat of Broome and Tioga Counties.

Project Team

The Plan is supported by a Project Team comprised of staff from Broome County, Tioga County, Fourth Economy and Highland Planning.

Broome County Department of Planning and Economic Development
Isabella Paullay, County Team Project Manager
Stephanie Brewer, Chief Planner
Lora Zier, Senior Planner
David Pulliam, Economic Development Planner

Broome County Tourism
Judi Hess, Director, Visit Binghamton

Broome County Team

Tioga County Department of Planning and Economic Development
Sara Zubalsky-Peer, County Planning Director

Tioga County Tourism
Rebecca Maffei, Director, Experience Tioga

Tioga County Team

Fourth Economy
Maya Haptas, Consultant Team Project Manager
Nichole Muise Kielkucki, Consultant Team Project Director
Juliette Crellin, Analysis Lead
Maura Kay, Analysis Support

Consultant Team

Highland Planning
Emma Falkenstein, Engagement Lead
Liz Podowski King, Engagement Advisor
Stephanie Hyde, Engagement Planner
Megan Morsch, Marketing and Branding Evaluation Lead

Proposed Plan Schedule:

Check the “Get Involved” page for more details about public input opportunities.

>> Timeframe >> Public Input Opportunities >> Plan Deliverable Schedule

Fall 2025 Data Collection & Asset Inventory Development

Winter 2026 Data Collection & Asset Inventory Development

Spring 2026 Virtual Public Meeting #1 & Listening Sessions Data Collection & Asset Inventory Development

Summer 2026 Pop-Ups Asset Inventory Review & Strategy Development

Fall 2026 Virtual Public Meeting #2 & Listening Sessions Strategy & Recommendation Review; Draft Plan

Winter 2027 Final Plan Presentation Draft Plan Edits; Final Plan