SYRACUSE -- Syracuse will be part of a new economic development initiative that officials hope will put the region "on the path to economic transformation and prosperity."

Syracuse is one of only a handful of cities chosen by the Brookings Institution to be part of these new initiatives.

"Brookings' selection of Syracuse for implementing these two forward thinking programs is validation that our region is at the forefront of economic development and metropolitan policy," said Robert Simpson, CenterState CEO President. "Brookings will bring esteem, influence, national attention and national resources to complement our strong local leadership and commitments. Together with Brookings and our partners, we will develop the strategies that will set the foundation for sustainable, long term economic community development for our region."

The region will begin developing a Metropolitan Business Plan and a Metropolitan Export Initiative. Syracuse will work with Brookings and RW Ventures, LLC to create and implement a business plan that will "act as a guide for future strategies and policies."

The export initiative "aims to build on unique market strengths to foster regional economic growth through the expansion of exports." The goal is to better connect the CenterState region's firms to global customers to foster a growth in exports.

"It is an honor for the CenterState New York region to be selected for these two exclusive programs," said Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney. "As the economic heart of the region, we are prepared to play an integral role in the development and implementation of these initiatives. Brookings will help us create a plan that will not only lead to prosperity and economic vibrancy, but will also lay the framework to grow our business opportunities internationally."

Read more about the initiatives here.