Historic Hudson River Towns, Inc. is a consortium of municipalities located along New York’s Hudson River, from Yonkers to Albany, organized under an Inter-municipal Agreement (IMA) with 501(c)3 not-for-profit, tax-exempt status.

History
In 1994, Historic River Towns of Westchester was created by mayors and supervisors from communities along the east side of the Hudson River who saw their main streets declining and were looking for a way to stimulate their local economies. By signing an IMA (Inter-municipal Agreement), the riverfront municipalities in Westchester County, New York agreed to join forces in this economic development initiative, with tourism as their major focus.

In 2008, the group adopted a more regional name, Historic Hudson River Towns (HHRT), and opened its membership to all riverfront communities on both sides of the Hudson. They continue their strong presence in Westchester County and have expanded their membership to include the towns of Nyack and Haverstraw in Rockland County  and Beacon in Dutchess County.

HHRT is a working example of a regional organization that has developed standing and longevity to become recognized as the “Go-to” organization to bridge large regional efforts with smaller local governments.

Over the years, the organization has tackled many issues of common concern in the general areas of downtown revitalization, waterfront renewal and tourism development. Their experience has been that, as a group of communities working together, they are able to accomplish more than if they were each working independently. And, as a 501c3 non-profit organization, they can involve the private sector and raise funds in support of collaborative projects.

Mission
Historic Hudson River Towns is the leading inter-municipal organization helping Hudson Valley’s riverfront communities build sustainable local economies through tourism marketing, waterfront revitalization and downtown renewal. HHRT’s work is consistent with what is becoming recognized by many as the “Triple Bottom Line Dialogue,” promoting and preserving the Hudson River Valley as a region that is socially, economically and environmentally sustainable.

Vision for the Future
Their vision for the future is for their member communities to experience the “Triple Bottom Line” by encouraging climate resilient, mixed use waterfront development that provides public access to the Hudson River; driving tourism to enhance local economic activity that supports a strong “quality of life.”