Mayor Bill Collins: A Vision for the Glens Falls’ Thriving Business Community

In a recent episode of the Buying Local podcast, hosted by Michael Nelson of Five Towers Media, Mayor Bill Collins of Glens Falls shared his insights on the city’s burgeoning business community, its economic outlook, and the initiatives shaping its future. Recorded on March 3, 2025, from the bustling lobby of the Queensbury Hotel, the conversation offered a deep dive into Collins’ perspective on Glens Falls’ transformation into a vibrant hub of commerce and culture. With a rich background in human services and event management, Collins brings a unique lens to his role as mayor, emphasizing collaboration, redevelopment, and sustainable growth.

A Lifelong Connection to Glens Falls

Collins, a Glens Falls native, never intended to enter politics. Born and raised in the city, he spent 30 years working in human services, including 18 years as the statewide director for Special Olympics New York. His journey into public service began reluctantly when local officials persuaded him to join the Board of Public Safety 15 years ago. That experience sparked a passion for making a difference in his hometown, leading him to serve on the city council and, eventually, to his current role as mayor, a position he has held for three years.

“I never had any intention of getting into politics,” Collins admitted during the podcast. “But I’ve always been about making a difference.” His deep ties to Glens Falls—where he raised his family and runs a small screen-printing business, Celtic Attitudes Clothing—inform his commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment while preserving the city’s character.

Economic Momentum: Building on a Strong Foundation

Collins is quick to credit his predecessors for laying the groundwork for Glens Falls’ economic resurgence. When he entered office as a council member, the city was recovering from a financial crisis under former Mayor Diamond, who made significant cuts to departments like public works and recreation to stabilize finances. “My job when I was running for mayor, and even when I was on the council, was to keep the momentum going,” Collins said. “I’m proud that that’s happening.”

That momentum has accelerated in recent years, fueled by strategic investments and state support. A pivotal moment came with the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), which brought $10 million in state funding to Glens Falls nearly eight years ago. Though progress stalled during the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative is now bearing fruit. Collins highlighted a $49 million development boom tied to the DRI, including a soon-to-be-completed Market Center on South Street—an event space and expanded farmers’ market set for a ribbon-cutting on May 16, 2025. An additional $24 million in residential and commercial projects approved between December 2024 and January 2025 underscores the city’s ongoing growth.

“South Street was called the street of dreams,” Collins quipped, recalling its past. “It’s night and day—a completely different world.” The transformation of this corridor, once home to the dilapidated OTB building among others, symbolizes Glens Falls’ revitalization, with new businesses and housing breathing life into the area.

Small Businesses: The Backbone of Glens Falls

For Collins, small businesses are the heart of Glens Falls’ economy. The city boasts 26 thriving restaurants within its two-square-mile downtown—a stark contrast to the handful of options available a decade ago. “We’re becoming a food destination,” he said proudly, noting that the density of eateries draws visitors from nearby Saratoga Springs and beyond.

To support this growth, Collins’ administration has prioritized removing barriers for entrepreneurs. Over the past three years, the city has distributed 30 small business grants, offering up to $25,000 in matching funds for startups investing at least $50,000. These grants, funded in part by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money and managed through the Local Development Corporation (LDC), have helped fill vacant storefronts and spurred redevelopment.

A standout example is the Golden Monkey, a downtown business that received a $40,000 grant to cover unexpected infrastructure costs—like upgrading water lines for residential apartments above its commercial space. “Economic development in Glens Falls is redevelopment,” Collins emphasized. “It’s not about tearing down buildings; it’s about investing in what’s here. That comes with additional costs, and we need to help.”

Looking ahead, Collins envisions expanding these efforts with state and federal grants to ease startup burdens without raising local taxes. “We need to make sure the next small business guy who wants to open a place has a spot here,” he said.

Tourism and Special Events: Driving Economic Impact

Tourism is another cornerstone of Collins’ strategy. Partnering with Warren County’s tourism department, Glens Falls has gained national attention, including a full-page ad in a National Geographic tourism edition. While Lake George has long been the region’s tourism draw, Collins sees Glens Falls emerging as a complementary destination, thanks to its vibrant downtown and growing hospitality sector.

Special events play a key role in this vision. Drawing on his Special Olympics experience, Collins secured a significant occupancy tax grant from Warren County in 2024 to bolster four “low-hanging fruit” events with economic potential, including the Glens Falls Brew Fest and the LARAC Arts Festival. “Events are economic drivers,” he said, citing the example of former Lake George Mayor Bob Blais, who extended his village’s season through strategic event planning. Collins aims to grow LARAC from a 10,000–15,000-person event into a 30,000-person weekend festival, potentially attracting visitors from New York City and the Hudson Valley with hotel packages and high-profile artists.

Workforce and Infrastructure: Addressing Challenges

Workforce shortages, a nationwide issue, have not spared Glens Falls. However, Collins noted improvement in filling city positions, such as police and fire department roles, which were critically understaffed when he took office. Partnerships with Warren County’s Workforce Development Department and local colleges like SUNY Adirondack aim to keep talent in the region. “We need to make sure they don’t feel they have to go outside the region for employment,” he said.

Infrastructure, while not an immediate business priority for Collins, is a long-term necessity. With $60 million in identified water and sewer needs against an $11 million annual budget, the city relies on grants to balance investment with fiscal responsibility. A notable achievement was merging the Greater Glens Falls Transit Authority with the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) in 2024, enhancing connectivity to Albany and Saratoga Springs—a move Collins called “the greatest consolidation of services in the last 30 years.”

A Vision for the Future

Collins’ outlook for Glens Falls is optimistic yet pragmatic. He stresses keeping government lean and taxes low to sustain growth, while investing in infrastructure for the city’s health and safety. Redevelopment remains the focus, with an eye on protecting the city from overdevelopment—a “great burden to have,” he noted wryly, recalling a 2021 Zoom call where parking complaints signaled downtown’s success.

“People want to be here,” Collins said, citing the lack of parking as a developer’s dream. A new committee is rethinking outdated parking laws, while housing grants—like a $1.2 million accessibility fund—address the region’s less-than-1% vacancy rate. With projects filling up before completion, Glens Falls is attracting retirees, remote workers, and young professionals seeking affordable, safe communities.

Conclusion

Mayor Bill Collins sees Glens Falls at a tipping point—a small city punching above its weight, fueled by small businesses, tourism, and strategic redevelopment. His administration’s efforts to secure grants, foster partnerships, and support entrepreneurs reflect a balanced approach to growth. As the Market Center ribbon-cutting looms and downtown thrives, Collins’ vision is clear: maintain momentum, preserve integrity, and ensure Glens Falls remains a place where businesses—and residents—can flourish.