UTICA, N.Y. -- Nine Mohawk Valley leaders spent Friday morning discussing jobs, economic development and the region's future. 

Spectrum News reporter Cara Thomas moderated the 13th annual Elected Leaders Forum at The Radisson Hotel-Utica Centre.

With so many big projects underway in the area, local leaders agree that the next few years will be a transformative time for the region.

They plan to keep working together to make sure the initiatives move forward.

"What we do, as far as cooperation and vision, that trickles down to our business community and then to our residents. And we have to keep that momentum going," said Rome Mayor Jacqueline Izzo.

Representatives from the local, state and federal level were all on hand to take part in the discussion.