A troubling report released this week shows that New York has lost a larger percentage of its population from 2000 to 2008 than any other state in the country.

One of the most disturbing parts of the report - and one that local lawmakers need to pay attention to - in that Cayuga County's numbers are among the worst, listed as one of 19 counties to have lost 3 percent or more of its population since 2000.

Of course, a majority of the people who have moved to other states were from the New York City area, but the report notes that the net population impacts have been higher in upstate counties. For one thing, families leaving New York had an average income 13 percent higher than families moving into the state.

The loss of young educated workers has been well-documented, but the loss of 8 percent of the state's population in less than a decade points to a more serious problem. Over and above the “brain drain” - New York is facing an overall tax-base drain, as well.

The news comes at a time when area leaders are focusing resources on economic development and the county government is ironing out a budget for the upcoming year.

This report underscores the urgency of economic development. Making Cayuga County a more attractive place to do business will be an essential part of long-term stability.

New York has 1.5 million fewer people than it did in 2000, and that leaves a lot fewer taxpayers to shoulder the burden.

Sure, quality of life issues are important, too, and we need to continue to market the area as a destination for tourists, but any improvements in the cultural strengths of the county will be for naught if there aren't enough good jobs to allow families to stay put.