Downtown Revitalization Initiative

TOP Downtown Revitalization Initiative

Downtown Revitalization Initiative

Now in its second year, Governor Cuomo’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), is transforming downtown neighborhoods into vibrant communities where the next generation of New Yorkers will want to live, work and raise families.

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 plans and implement key catalytic projects that advance the community’s vision for revitalization.

Communities selected in Round One of the DRI were:

Capital Region - Glens Falls
Central New York - Oswego
Finger Lakes - Geneva
Long Island - Westbury
Mid-Hudson - Middletown
Mohawk Valley - Oneonta
New York City - Jamaica
North Country - Plattsburgh
Southern Tier - Elmira
Western New York - Jamestown

The DRI is chaired by New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado, and supported by private sector experts funded by Empire State Development, and a team of planners from the Department of State and the Division of Homes and Community Renewal. Other agencies are also involved in reviewing and implementing projects.

Communities may now submit applications to participate in DRI Round 2

Learn More

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

Press Release
Round 2 Application Materials
Round 1 Applications

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 transformation projects from the Strategic Investment Plan. Additional projects may be implemented through the CFA or other funding sources.

Partners

Office of Planning and Development

Learn more about the Department of State's Office of Planning and Development and its role in increasing resilience and sustainable growth in New York's communities. 

Regional Economic Development Councils

The Regional Councils were established to transform the State’s approach to economic development to a community-based and performance-driven model.

HCR Office of Community Renewal

Learn more about the Office of Community Renewal and their role in their role in strengthening the economic vitality of neighborhoods and downtowns and supporting community development.