Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the availability of $200 million in funding for New York State’s downtown revitalization efforts. The funds are split evenly between Round 9 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and Round 4 of the NY Forward program, each receiving $100 million. These programs aim to support economic development in both urban centers and smaller, rural communities. Since their inception, a combined total of $1.2 billion has been awarded to 151 communities throughout New York.
Applications for this round can be submitted through the State’s Consolidated Funding Application Portal until November 7, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., with a separate deadline for New York City communities on October 31, 2025.
“From bustling city centers to small rural villages, every community needs and deserves the opportunity to thrive,” Governor Hochul said. “Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward program, we’re making transformative investments that not only strengthen our local economies, but also create vibrant, walkable downtowns for generations to live, work and play. With this new round of funding, we are continuing to build on the success of the more than 150 communities that are already working to turn their visions for revitalization into a reality.”
Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley stated: “The Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward program give communities the tools and resources they need to reimagine their futures and drive meaningful change. Through coupling significant investment with smart planning by the community and for the community, these programs deliver real results that improve the quality of life for residents, attract new businesses and spur additional private investment. We encourage all communities, no matter how small, to apply so we can help bring their visions to life.”
This year’s enacted budget introduced a requirement that cities, towns, and villages must hold a “Pro-Housing Community” designation in order to access discretionary state programs such as DRI and NY Forward. Localities with this certification have exclusive access to up to $750 million in state funding. This includes a $100 million Pro-Housing Supply fund aimed at supporting infrastructure projects needed for new housing development—such as sewer or water system upgrades—and over 350 municipalities have received this certification.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight commented: “The Downtown Revitalization and NY Forward initiatives are essential in Governor Hochul’s ongoing efforts to reenergize city and town centers across the state. This latest round of targeted investments will support high-quality, community-driven projects that will benefit small businesses, promote economic growth and create more vibrant downtowns where people want to live, work and play for generations to come.”
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas added: “I urge all those who are eligible to apply for the $200 million available through New York’s premier economic development programs. By injecting DRI and NY Forward resources directly into communities that have demonstrated a commitment to housing and to balanced, thoughtful growth, Governor Hochul has opened the door to a new generation of development that will serve these Pro-Housing Communities, their businesses, Main Streets, and residents well into the future. I am proud of the role that HCR is playing in this game-changing program and know that along with our partners we will be assisting beneficial and incremental change in cities towns and villages across the state.”
Doreen M. Harris from New York State Energy Research & Development Authority said: “Revitalizing downtown urban and rural communities across the state is an opportunity to transform aging buildings into modern energy-efficient comfortable mixed-use spaces and housing. NYSERDA is proud to contribute to these vital efforts that are shaping vibrant walkable neighborhoods in New York while fostering healthier lifestyles and laying a solid foundation for long-term economic growth.”
The DRI was launched in 2016 as an effort led by multiple agencies including DOS (Department of State), HCR (Homes & Community Renewal), ESD (Empire State Development), and NYSERDA (Energy Research & Development Authority). The initiative uses strategic planning followed by immediate implementation (“plan-then-act”) as its approach; since inception it has provided $900 million across eight rounds supporting over 91 communities statewide—including creation of more than 4,500 new housing units—and estimates suggest each dollar invested generates three dollars in additional investment.
For DRI Round 9 joint applications from two or three neighboring communities within one regional council area may be submitted under one unified vision.
NY Forward was created as part of Governor Hochul’s 2022 budget to extend similar support specifically toward smaller towns hamlets and villages outside larger metropolitan areas served by DRI; it offers two awards per region worth $4.5 million each while combining funds with NYC DRI allocations allows one $20 million award specifically targeting New York City neighborhoods.
Like DRI participants those selected under NY Forward receive technical assistance during planning application preparation and project implementation stages but benefit from direct consultant support throughout both processes.
More information about both programs’ structures similarities differences can be found on official DRI and NY Forward websites.
