Programs

Downtown Revitalization Initiative

About the 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.

Creating Vibrant Downtowns

DRI Round 8

Governor Hochul announced the eighth round of the DRI along with the third round of NY Forward, a program targeted at revitalizing smaller and rural communities. This year, DRI will invest $100 million in 10 new communities to be selected by the REDCs, bringing the total amount of funding allocated for all rounds of DRI and NYF to $1.2 billion.

Application Brochure

Participant Resources

Capacity-Building Webinars
A series of educational webinars providing municipalities with an overview of downtown revitalization and the steps required to renew and restore their downtowns. Click the link below to view recordings and register for upcoming webinars.
Webinars
Decarbonization
The DRI and NYF programs encourage decarbonization at all scales ranging from individual buildings to community-wide decarbonization initiatives. Click the link below to view decarbonization requirements and resources.
Decarbonization

Plan-Then-Act Strategy How the DRI 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
DRI funding 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.

Transforming New York Communities

DRI Round 7

In 2023, Governor Hochul announced the seventh round of the DRI along with the second round of NY Forward. For round seven of the DRI, the State invested $100 million in 10 new communities selected by the REDCs, bringing the total DRI state commitment to $800 million.

Round 7 Communities FAQs Guidebook

Improving the vitality of urban centers across New York Past Winners

Rounds 1 - 3

Round One Winners
Round Two Winners
Round Three Winners

Rounds 4 -5

Round Four Winners
Round Five Winners
Round Six Winners

DRI in Focus

DRI Case Studies

View a selection of case studies from successful DRI communities and projects.

View Case Studies

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.

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