Capital Region
Scotia
Centered along the historic Mohawk Avenue corridor and scenic waterfront, the Village of Scotia blends small-village charm with regional opportunity. The community stands at a pivotal moment, building on years of thoughtful planning, public engagement and visible reinvestment to shape a vibrant future. Strategic initiatives such as the Envision Scotia Brownfield Opportunity Area Plan and Downtown Connections Plan have laid the groundwork for revitalization that honors the Village’s heritage while embracing inclusive, sustainable growth. Recent park and trail enhancements, private redevelopment, and targeted small-business support demonstrate a momentum that residents can see and feel. Scotia’s walkable streets, historic architecture and cultural opportunities foster a strong sense of place, while its proximity to major employment centers positions the Village to capture regional housing demand and economic expansion. Scotia is poised to transform underutilized properties, strengthen its downtown and waterfront, and create a thriving, connected community that balances progress with preservation.
Watervliet
Situated along the Hudson River in the heart of the Capital Region, the City of Watervliet is reimagining its future as a vibrant, inclusive riverfront community. Centered on the historic 19th Street corridor, the City’s compact downtown serves as a walkable hub of neighborhood businesses, civic spaces and daily services that anchor community life. Strategic investments will enhance streetscapes, strengthen small business vitality and create safer, more accessible connections between homes, schools, parks and the waterfront. Watervliet’s proud industrial heritage, shaped by the legacy of the Watervliet Arsenal and generations of working families, continues to inform its identity while new housing and infrastructure investments support a modern, resilient future. The City will build on the tradition of collaboration and civic pride to create a welcoming downtown where historic character, waterfront access and community-driven growth come together to elevate quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Central New York
Marcellus
Embodying the magic of a storybook small town, the 0.64 square-mile Village of Marcellus embraces its timeless traditions (like Olde Home Days) while also welcoming new residents and visitors with open arms. Located off the Seneca Turnpike, this idyllic Onondaga County village features a central downtown filled with thriving small businesses, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and second-to-none trout fishing known throughout the state. Without walking more than a mile, residents and visitors have access to a library, bookstore, daycare, bank, multiple hair salons, a physical therapist, a dentist and a wide variety of specialty restaurants, cafes and bars. The Village’s story of revitalization and adaptation to change began in the 1990s and will continue with the NY Forward funds, which will continue to improve walkability, preserve its historic character, expand green spaces and further support local businesses. This will create a domino effect and transform Marcellus into a hub of economic and population growth in Central New York.
Mexico
Situated along the banks of the Little Salmon River in Oswego County, the Village of Mexico’s downtown is a walkable, historically rich and community-focused hub poised for economic growth. From the iconic brick façade of Beck’s Hotel to the restored Starr Clark Tin Shop and the seasonal vibrancy of the downtown park, the downtown district tells a story of resilience and promise. Leveraging the NY Forward funding, the Village is strategically positioning itself as an attractive residential community for professionals and families drawn to the region by Micron’s major semiconductor investment. The Village aims to transform itself into a vibrant, dynamic area that seamlessly blends its rich history with modern vibrancy, marrying the charm of its historic architecture with the energy of its bustling streets lined with thriving local businesses, where every corner invites you to explore, connect and experience the essence of community.
Mohawk Valley
Morris
In the heart of the Butternut Valley is the Village of Morris, framed by forests, waterways and a historic crossroads that have long connected surrounding communities. At its center, a compact, one-mile-long walkable downtown anchors a village where daily life unfolds along Main and Broad streets. With roots dating back to the late 1700s, Morris has evolved from a mill community to an agricultural market town, and now stands ready to grow into an ecotourism and arts destination. Arts and culture are increasingly central to Morris’ identity, with new studios, galleries, and creative spaces building on a strong tradition of craftsmanship and storytelling.
At the same time, thoughtful investments in sidewalks, streetscapes and housing are enhancing accessibility, safety and vibrancy. Guided by a resilient spirit and a clear vision, Morris is poised for its next chapter. By strengthening connections within its downtown and building on its natural and cultural assets, the village is creating a place that honors its past while inviting new energy, investment, and opportunity.
Utica
Nestled in the Mohawk Valley along a historic corridor that has long connected communities and commerce across New York State, the City of Utica is defined by a collection of distinct neighborhoods that together shape its character and cultural identity. Within the City, the beloved Uptown District stands out as one of the City’s most charming and promising places. Building on the momentum of its nearly completed DRI, Utica aims to advance a clear vision to strengthen Uptown’s historic character, walkability and culture as a multi-generational “all-day” neighborhood. This pedestrian-friendly area is poised for a revival, adding to the restaurants, cafes and locally owned shops already established in the district, while vacant buildings are refurbished to enhance charm and curb appeal.
Rooted in extensive community engagement, the City’s vision reflects a neighborhood that residents hold close to their hearts, where they grew up and made invaluable memories filled with uniquely Utica experiences. Cultural anchors like the Uptown Theatre and Murnane Field, along with other local businesses, create a lively rhythm of arts, recreation, food and gathering spaces. With a compact, highly trafficked footprint and a thoughtful strategy for investment, Uptown is ready to build on its momentum, shaping a neighborhood where history, culture and community come together to define a promising future.
North Country
Moriah
Nestled inside the Adirondack Mountain Park, slightly north of the new Crown Point Champlain Bridge over Lake Champlain sits Moriah, a vibrant town containing six hamlets — Grover Hills, Moriah Corners, Moriah Center, Mineville, Witherbee and Port Henry — that serves as a gateway between New York and Vermont. After completing its Main Street Revitalization Strategy, the Town is ready to bring renewed vitality to the historic center of Port Henry, which serves as Moriah’s Main Street. As the heart of community life in Moriah, Port Henry has a deep industrial history that now serves as a gathering space for residents and visitors alike. Envisioning a revitalized Main Street with restored historic buildings, new housing and public gathering spaces, the town aims to transform downtown into a welcoming, economically resilient place that celebrates its past while building a sustainable future for generations to come.
Heuvelton
Located in the northwestern corner of St. Lawrence County, the Village of Heuvelton is a small but vibrant community rooted in history, natural beauty and strong local connections. Located just eight miles from the St. Lawrence River and just outside the Adirondack Park, the village sits at the crossroads of important transportation routes, linking residents and visitors to nearby Ogdensburg and destinations throughout New York and Canada. Flowing through the heart of the village, the Oswegatchie River has long shaped Heuvelton’s story – once serving as a route for trade and now providing hydroelectric power and opportunities for recreation. Historic landmarks, including the former Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain Railroad corridor and community gathering spaces like Pickens Hall, reflect the village’s rich past. Looking ahead, Heuvelton is focused on thoughtful growth, including revitalizing downtown spaces, supporting small businesses and expanding parks, trails and waterfront access, all while preserving the welcoming, small-town character that defines the community.