Programs

Downtown Revitalization Initiative

Downtown Revitalization Initiative

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 NY 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.

Communities Press Release Brochure

Transforming Downtown Neighborhoods

DRI Round 5

In 2021, 19 downtowns were selected by the Regional Economic Development Councils in the fifth round of DRI. After a targeted and inclusive planning process the Strategic Investment Plans, which will spur revitalization and investment while achieving the community’s vision for the future, are now complete. Awarded projects will be announced in Fall of 2022. To see the Strategic Investment Plans and final award lists, click on the DRI 5 Communities button below.

DRI 5 Communities DRI 5 Guidebook DRI 5 FAQs

DRI in Focus

Highlights from Successful DRI Projects

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.
Geneva's Solar Village
Lake Tunnel Solar Village and Community Sustainability in Geneva, NY.
Historic Preservation
Positive Impact of the Historic Preservation Tax Credit on DRI Communities.
Oswego Project Synergies
Strategic Project Selection and Synergies in Oswego, NY.
Public Art
The Role of Public Art and Artist Housing in Downtown Revitalization.

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.

Partners

Empire State Development

The Empire State Development promotes a vigorous and growing state economy, encourages business investment and job creation, and supports diverse, prosperous local economies across New York State.