Each month I try to highlight the progress being made across our community and the many people who contribute to making Clarence such a special place to live. This month, I am proud to share news that reflects the hard work and commitment of our entire town. The Town of Clarence has been named a Town of Excellence by the New York Association of Towns, one of only thirteen towns across New York State to receive this designation in the program’s inaugural year.
The Towns of Excellence program was created to recognize communities that demonstrate strong leadership, innovation, and a commitment to serving their residents. Towns were evaluated across a wide range of categories including economic development, sound planning, community engagement, quality of life, governance, transparency, and workforce development. Being recognized in these areas is meaningful because they represent the core responsibilities of local government and the priorities that directly impact our residents every day.
Clarence has always taken pride in providing a high quality of life while maintaining responsible financial stewardship. One of the things that continues to set our community apart is the balance we strive to maintain between growth and preservation. Clarence remains a desirable place for families and businesses while continuing to protect the character and natural beauty that make our town unique. At the same time, we have been able to maintain one of the lowest tax rates in Erie County, something that is increasingly rare and increasingly important to residents.
The strength of our community is also reflected in the people who live here. Clarence benefits from a highly educated and skilled population, strong household incomes, and low unemployment. These factors help create a stable and thriving local economy, but they also reflect the civic pride that exists throughout our town. Residents who care deeply about their community are often the ones who step forward to volunteer, support local organizations, participate in town meetings, and contribute to the overall success of Clarence.
This recognition is also a testament to the many employees, boards, committees, and volunteers who dedicate their time and expertise to serving the town. From our town departments and staff to our planning and zoning boards, conservation efforts, recreation programs, and community organizations, there are countless individuals who work every day to ensure Clarence continues to move forward in a responsible and thoughtful way.
Local government works best when a community pulls in the same direction. Clarence has benefited from a strong tradition of collaboration between residents, town leadership, and community partners. That cooperation allows us to focus on practical solutions, responsible planning, and investments that directly benefit the people who live here.
Looking ahead, our focus remains the same: protecting the quality of life that residents expect while continuing to invest in amenities, services, and infrastructure that will support Clarence for years to come. Recognition like this is certainly appreciated, but it also serves as motivation to continue building on the foundation that has made Clarence successful.
Clarence has always been a community defined by pride, participation, and progress. Being recognized as a Town of Excellence affirms what many of us already know — that when a community works together with purpose and commitment, great things can happen.