Arthur Koweek was born on December 2, 1922 in New York City. After attending James Madison High School in 1939, he went on to serve for three years in World War II in the U.S Army Air Corps. Upon his return to the United States, Koweek graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Washington State University in the class of 1946.

After his education, Koweek moved to Hudson, New York where he began a career in the retail industry (he co-owned the Town Fair with his wife Janice, a toy and baby furniture store). He saw the potential of the City of Hudson and dedicated himself to building a better community; he was elected Chairman of the Planning Commission in 1961.

In 1965, Koweek, as chairman of the Housing and Home Finance Agency, partnered with other New York State Agencies to implement a Comprehensive Development Plan for the City of Hudson. This development plan presented proposals for the future physical development of the City, which at this time was in economic decline. Specifically, the development plan addressed commerce, industry, affordable housing, development of traffic circulation, public services, and facilities.

From 1971 to 1975, he chaired the Hudson Urban Renewal Agency (which later became Hudson Community Development & Planning Agency). During his tenure, he contributed to the realization of the Urban Renewal Project of 1971-1973 and in 1974 the rehabilitation through Urban Renewal of the lower Warren Street Historic District.

The significant contribution that Koweek made through these urban renewal and city planning programs continues to influence present day decision-makers. The commitment of Koweek’s work to the City of Hudson will no doubt inform future decision-makers as well.

Koweek was a member of Advisory Boards of Hudson Youth; the Columbia County Health Care Consortium receiving the Anne W. Zittell Friend of the Consortium Award in 2018 for his work with the consortium. He served on both Hudson City and New York State Planning Federation Boards for over 50 years.