Downtown Revitalization Initiative

New York State's Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), a cornerstone of the State's economic development program, 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.

In its fifth year, the program will invest $200 million in up to 20 additional downtowns statewide. Participating communities will be nominated by the state’s ten Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs) based on the downtown’s potential for transformation. Within each region, the REDC will nominate either two downtowns to receive $10 million each or one downtown to receive an award of $20 million to develop a downtown strategic investment plan and implement key catalytic projects that advance the community’s vision for revitalization.

The DRI is led by the Department of State. 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.

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Transforming Downtown Neighborhoods

DRI Round 5

Guidebook FAQs Communities

Highlights from Successful DRI Communities and Projects

DRI in Focus

Public Art

The Role of Public Art and Artist Housing in Downtown Revitalization.

Brownfield Redevelopment

The Role of the DOS Brownfield Opportunity Area Program in the Success of DRI Communities.

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

Past Winners

Downtown Revitalization Initiative Round One

Learn about the Round One winners.

Downtown Revitalization Initiative Round Two

Learn about the Round Two winners.

Downtown Revitalization Initiative Round Three

Learn about the Round Three winners.

Downtown Revitalization Initiative Round Four

Learn about the Round Four winners.

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.

Downtown Revitalization Initiative