Brownfield Sites Driving Redevelopment in the Mohawk Valley

Register for the 5th Annual Mohawk Valley Brownfields Developer Summit

April 21-22, 2026, at Herkimer County Community College, Herkimer, NY

Herkimer, NY — April 2026— Join the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Inc. (MVEDD) and its partner economic development agencies across Fulton, Herkimer, Lewis, Montgomery, Oneida, Oswego, Otsego, and Schoharie Counties, as we host the 5th Annual Mohawk Valley Brownfields Developer Summit. This year we have more counties, more sites, and more opportunities as we spotlight how brownfield redevelopment fuels economic revival.

Dates: April 21–22, 2026
Location: Herkimer County Community College, 100 Reservoir Road, Herkimer, NY
Register: https://mvedd.org/brownfield-event

With more than 22 redevelopment-ready sites and active funding opportunities across the counties, the Summit will highlight the momentum behind transforming underutilized properties into sites for housing, recreation, business, and sustainable growth.

“We’re thrilled to highlight our brownfield sites and the redevelopment potential they hold.” said Heather Devitt, Deputy Director of MVEDD. “From new developments at past featured sites like the Former Newport School, to spotlighting new sites from the region and surrounding areas in Lewis and Oswego Counties, this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever.”

Brownfields are former industrial or commercial sites that may be contaminated due to prior use, often presenting complex histories and environmental challenges. These properties can be more difficult to redevelop compared to undeveloped land, or “greenfields.” Despite these challenges, brownfields offer significant potential due to their strategic locations, often situated near critical transportation infrastructure such as highways and railways. Additionally, many brownfields already have access to essential utilities, including water, wastewater, and energy lines, making them prime candidates for revitalization.

The Mohawk Valley Brownfields Developer Summit offers an in-person chance to connect with partners, attend expert-led sessions, and be part of transforming the region’s underutilized properties into thriving economic assets.

We are pleased to announce our keynote speaker for the 2026 Brownfields Developer Summit, who will share insights on real estate trends and redevelopment.

Steve Weikal, MSRED, MCP ‘08, Industry Chair, Real Estate Transformation Lab, MIT Center for Real Estate and Managing Partner, MET Fund II

Steve Weikal is a lecturer, researcher, and industry leader focused on innovative new technologies and business models that are reinventing traditional ways of developing, transacting and managing real estate. He is the Industry Chair of the Real Estate Transformation Lab at MIT and Managing Partner of MET Fund II, investing in early-stage, MIT-connected start-ups focused on solutions for the built environment transition. He began his real estate career restoring and redeveloping historic theaters in Detroit’s Fox Center entertainment district. A recognized thought leader in real estate technology, his keynote will set the scene for the event’s panels and themes.

We are also happy to announce the return of a fan-favorite panel, back by popular demand. The capital stacking session will feature panelists who provide practical advice on how to creatively combine various funding tools to finance complex brownfield redevelopment projects.

Capital Stacking to the Finish Line: Leveraging Utility, State, Federal, and Local Tools for Brownfield Redevelopment

• Heather Devitt, Deputy Director, MVEDD
• David Whipple, Senior Director Industry Development, Empire State Development (ESD)
• Brian Anderson, Regional Economic Development Manager, National Grid
• Scott Henze, Executive Director, Fulton County IDA
• Yocasta DeJesus, Brownfields Outreach Coordinator, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Throughout the two-day event, attendees can expect robust networking opportunities and a poster contest, sponsored by LaBella. Participants will also have the opportunity to take a guided tour of active brownfield sites in the City of Utica, highlighting key redevelopment areas within the city’s Brownfield Opportunity Area.

“We are glad to be back and thank everyone that has helped make this event possible each year,” said Ron Peters, President & CEO of the Fulton County Center for Regional Growth and MVEDD Director. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors for their ongoing support and commitment to the future of brownfield redevelopment in the Mohawk Valley.”

The 2026 Mohawk Valley Brownfields Developer Summit is made possible by an impressive group of sponsors, including NYSERDA, Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp, HRP Associates, Inc., Herkimer County IDA, Hodgson Russ, LLP, C&S Engineers, LaBella Associates, National Grid, Mohawk Valley EDGE, Herkimer County Community College, NBT Bank, Knauf Shaw, CS Arch, Weston & Sampson, NYS Empire State Development (ESD), Sessler Companies, AC Power, LLC, Bohler Engineering, Pike Construction Services, Advanced Institute for Manufacturing, Orkin, Atlantic Testing Laboratories. Their generous contributions are integral to the success of this transformative event.

Event Details:

• Dates: April 21-22, 2026
• Location: Herkimer County Community College, 100 Reservoir Road, Herkimer, NY
• Register now to secure your spot and gain access to invaluable resources, expert insights, and networking opportunities: MVEDD Summit Registration Page

About MVEDD:

The Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Inc. (MVEDD) is dedicated to enhancing the economic development of the Mohawk Valley region through strategic collaborations with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as the private sector. MVEDD is committed to supporting brownfield remediation and redevelopment, sustainable growth, and job creation across the region.