Overview
The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) is transforming downtown neighborhoods into vibrant communities for all New Yorkers. Recognizing that companies are increasingly seeking to relocate and invest in vibrant, walkable downtowns in an effort to attract and retain a talented workforce, DRI is an investment to improve the vitality of urban centers across New York State.
View highlights from a selection of successful DRI communities and projects below.
Brownfield Redevelopment
The Role of the DOS Brownfield Opportunity Area Program in the Success of DRI Communities
The Department of State (DOS) Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) program supports the sustainable redevelopment of formerly contaminated areas of the state—primarily in underserved and disenfranchised communities. In many DRI communities, the DRI and BOA target areas and strategies overlap with one another, as is the case in Oswego, Batavia and Rome.
Craft Beer
From Rust-Belt to Beer-Belt: Craft Beer and Downtown Revitalization in Upstate New York
The craft beer industry in NY has exploded! And that explosion is having positive ripple effects on downtown revitalization efforts throughout the State—including several Upstate DRI communities—most notably, Geneva and Batavia in the Finger Lakes region; Olean in Western New York; and Oneonta in the Mohawk Valley.
Erie Canal Waterfronts
Downtown Revitalization Along The Erie Canal
With support from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), several communities along the Erie canal are experiencing a renaissance in downtown vibrancy and rejuvenation. In recognition of the Bicentennial year of the Canal’s completion this year, this case study highlights five DRI Canal communities that are using their Canal heritage and waterfronts as catalysts for future growth and development--Rome (where construction on the Canal started), Lockport, North Tonawanda, Oswego and Amsterdam. 
Erie Canal Case Study
Geneva's Solar Village
Lake Tunnel Solar Village and Community Sustainability in Geneva, NY
The City of Geneva DRI Plan takes sustainability to the next level with one of its signature projects—Lake Tunnel Solar Village. Solar Village is a net-zero community on Seneca Lake that derives all its energy from clean, renewable sources. The project received $1.25 million from the DRI, as well as support from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) solar installation program and the Department of Labor’s on-the-job training initiative.
Historic Preservation
Positive Impact of the Historic Preservation Tax Credit on DRI Communities
New York's historic preservation tax credit has helped save and rehab so many historic buildings in the State. And several DRI communities have embraced and funded these historic buildings—in conjunction with the tax credit—so they can once again become anchors of downtown revitalization.
Oswego Project Synergies
Strategic Project Selection and Synergies in Oswego, NY
The overarching strategy in the Oswego DRI is to connect the more vibrant South side of downtown to the struggling North side, and in turn connect all of downtown to the spectacular waterfront. All 12 of the City’s DRI projects feed into that grand strategy, creating an interlocking necklace of projects that is allowing its downtown to reach its full potential as a waterfront community.
Public Art
The Role of Public Art and Artist Housing in Downtown Revitalization
Public art and artist housing have emerged as integral components of downtown revitalization, particularly in the Rome, Albany, Oneonta and Peekskill DRI communities.
Public Art Case Study