Downtown Revitalization Initiative

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Downtown Revitalization Initiative

Governor Cuomo’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) is transforming downtown neighborhoods into vibrant communities where New Yorkers want to live, work and raise families.

In its fourth year, the program will invest $100 million into 10 additional downtown neighborhoods across the state. Participating communities are nominated by the state’s ten Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs) based on the downtown’s potential for transformation, and each community is awarded $10 million to develop a downtown strategic investment plan and implement key catalytic projects that advance the community’s vision for revitalization.

The DRI is chaired by New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado. Communities receive support from private sector experts and a team of state agency staff led by the Department of State in close partnership with Empire State Development, and NYS Homes and Community Renewal. Other agencies are also involved in reviewing and implementing projects.

Communities Selected in Round Four of the DRI were:
Capital Region - Schenectady
Central New York - Fulton
Finger Lakes - Seneca Falls
Long Island - Baldwin
Mid-Hudson - Peekskill
Mohawk Valley - Utica
New York City - Staten Island
North Country - Potsdam
Southern Tier - Hornell
Western New York - Niagara Falls Bridge District

Learn More About the Downtown Revitalization Initiative

FAQs
Guidebook
Round 4 Applications

DRI In Focus

Highlights from Successful DRI Communities and Projects

Craft Beer

From Rust-Belt to Beer-Belt: Craft Beer and Downtown Revitalization in Upstate New York.

See All DRI in Focus Case Studies

Creating Vibrant Places for People to Live, Work and Raise a Family

Round 1 Communities
Round 2 Communities
Round 3 Communities

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.

Partners

DOS Community Infrastructure

Learn more about the Dept. of State’s Community Infrastructure Program and its role in increasing resilience and sustainable growth in NY’s communities.