Programs

Downtown Revitalization Initiative

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New York State's Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) is a cornerstone of the State's economic development program. The DRI transforms downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers that offer a high quality of life and are magnets for redevelopment, business, job creation, and economic and housing diversity. These compact, walkable downtowns are a key ingredient to helping New York State rebuild its economy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to achieving the State’s bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles.

The DRI is led by the Department of State, in close partnership with Empire State Development, NYS Homes and Community Renewal and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

How it Works

Downtown Selection

Communities submit applications to the REDCs. Each REDC nominates one community to participate after a thorough evaluation of the downtown’s potential for transformation.

Strategic Planning

With technical assistance provided by the state, each participating community develops a Strategic Investment Plan that identifies specific projects that align with a unique vision for revitalization of the downtown area. Local planning committees oversee the effort.

Project Implementation

$9.7 million will be awarded in each DRI community to advance the most transformative projects from the Strategic Investment Plan. Additional projects may be implemented through the CFA or other funding sources.

Reinvigorating Local and Regional Economies

DRI Round 6

Governor Hochul launched the sixth round of the DRI along with the first round of New York Forward, a new program for smaller and rural communities. This year, DRI will invest $100 million in 10 new communities to be selected by the REDCs, bringing the total DRI state commitment to $700 million.

Press Release Brochure

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Application available now. Communities are encouraged to submit a Letter of Intent to Apply no later than August 10, 2022. The Application is due by September 23, 2022 at 4:00 pm.

Letter of Intent Application Package Application Webinar

Transforming Downtown Neighborhoods

DRI Round 5

19 downtowns were nominated by the Regional Economic Development Councils in the fifth round of the DRI in 2021. These communities will complete their Strategic Investment Plans in July 2022 and project awards will be announced in Fall of 2022. A total of $200 million will be invested in catalytic projects in these 19 communities that will spur revitalization and achieve the communities’ visions for the future of their downtowns.

DRI 5 Communities DRI 5 Guidebook DRI 5 FAQs