Louise Wadsworth to Retire from Livingston County Economic Development Office in June
GENESEO, N.Y., May 7, 2026 — Louise Wadsworth has been the heart and soul of downtown revitalization in Livingston County for over 20 years. As she prepares to retire this June, the County reflects on a career defined by creativity, partnership, and a deep-seated love for the local community.
Louise’s unique perspective was shaped by 26 years as a small business owner on Main Street in Geneseo, an experience that gave her firsthand knowledge of the dedication required to run a successful storefront. Since joining the Livingston County Economic Development team in 2005, she has channeled that passion into the Downtown Partnership Program, turning it into an award-winning model for community revitalization across New York State. Her accomplishments include:
A Model for the State: Under her guidance, the Downtown Partnership Program became a unique success story, with other counties across New York looking to Livingston County for inspiration.
The "LivCo Walls" Mural Festival: In 2022, Louise spearheaded a massive creative placemaking initiative that brought nine murals to nine villages in a single month—a project she cites as a career highlight.
Dedicated Small Business Support: She has been a tireless advocate for new and expanding businesses, helping them navigate everything from facade improvement grants to marketing strategies.
Building Community Connections: Louise’s work bridged the gap between local government and the private sector, fostering a "Livingston County" identity that is felt in every shop and on every street corner.
"Louise’s impact on our County simply cannot be overstated," said Bill Bacon, director of economic development. "She hasn't just managed a program; she has cultivated a destination. Through her vision for projects like the LivCo Walls Mural Festival and her tireless work with our village mayors and merchants, she helped transform our downtowns into vibrant hubs that people want to visit and call home. She leaves our communities far stronger and more beautiful than she found them."
Louise often shared that the most motivating part of her work was the people—the mayors, supervisors, and shop owners who make up the fabric of the County. As she prepares for retirement this June, she leaves behind a County that is more vibrant, connected, and economically resilient because of her vision and dedication.
Renewed Vision and Strategic Framework
With Louise’s departure, the Downtown Partnership Program will transition from a single coordinator model to an integrated department-wide approach focused on Livingston County Economic Development’s four strategic pillars:
Leading Industry Attraction & Recruitment
Business Retention & Expansion
Small Business & Entrepreneurship
Tourism & Quality of Life Promotion
Under this new model, the program’s core initiatives—including façade grants, technical assistance, and "Shop Local" campaigns—will be managed by specialists within each pillar, providing downtown businesses with deeper expertise and a broader network of resources.
"The Downtown Partnership has reached a level of maturity where it now touches every aspect of our economic development strategy," said Maureen Wheeler, deputy director. "By integrating these functions into our core pillars, we are ensuring that our downtowns have the full weight of our entire team behind them for years to come."
As Louise moves on to her next chapter, the Livingston County Economic Development team and the thousands of people who live in and visit our downtowns celebrate her two decades of unwavering commitment.
Please join us to celebrate Louise’s retirement and her many years of dedicated service! We’re gathering at the Wadsworth Homestead (4 South Street, Geneseo) on Thursday, June 25, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We invite any who have worked with Louise, past and present, to stop by, share a memory, and toast to her next chapter. Please RSVP to info@growlivco.com with the subject “Louise’s Retirement” and the names of all who plan to attend.
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About Grow LivCo:
Grow LivCo is the official Economic Development office for Livingston County, New York, dedicated to stimulating transformative economic growth through a tailored, one-stop resource approach. The organization works to balance forward-focused development with the preservation of the region’s unique historical character and natural beauty. By providing a wide range of innovative programs, financial incentives, and technical assistance, Grow LivCo supports everything from large-scale industrial projects to small business startups on Main Street.
For more information on the Downtown Partnership or to connect with the team, visit GrowLivCo.com.
About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.