Empowering Growth. Enriching Communities.
We’re at the forefront of economic innovation, collaboration, and community-driven development. Guided by the Town of Amherst Master Plan, the Amherst IDA (AIDA) partners with educational institutions, financial organizations, and local government to catalyze meaningful investment and job creation. With over $3 billion invested across 400+ projects, AIDA has become a cornerstone of sustainable growth and opportunity in the region.
Our Impact At A Glance
Over $3 Billion in investment
48,000 new jobs created by over 300 AIDA projects
Provided over $300 Million in property taxes
Tax Incentives
AIDA offers three core tax incentives to help businesses grow and thrive:
Sales Tax Exemption
Approved projects are exempt from sales tax on construction materials, equipment, and fixtures. This helps reduce upfront costs and enables businesses to focus on growth.
Mortgage Recording Tax Exemption
Eligible projects receive a 75% exemption on New York State’s Mortgage Recording Tax for commercial properties, significantly lowering financing costs.
Property Tax Abatement
Projects that add new taxable assessed value can benefit from a Payment in Lieu of Tax (PILOT) agreement under the Countywide IDA policy.
- Payments follow a graduated scale over 5, 7. or 10 years based on the project’s classification.
- After the PILOT period, properties transition to full taxable status.
For projects with additional funding needs, AIDA collaborates with its network of partners to unlock further opportunities, including:
- Low-Interest Loans
- Workforce Training Funding
- Grants and Tax Incentives from state and local sources
Explore Our Success Stories
Healthcare & Medical Spine
Roswell Park Cancer Center Opens $16.4M Outpatient Facility in Amherst
Read Story
