Governor Hochul Announces $200 Million in Funding Available for Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward Programs
State’s Two Signature Downtown Revitalization and Economic Development Programs Have Awarded $1.34 Billion in Funding to 178 Communities
All Applicants Must Meet Pro-Housing Community Requirements to Qualify for Funding
Applications are Due by January 8, 2027 at 4 p.m. Through the CFA Portal
Governor Hochul today announced that $200 million in funding is available through the State’s two signature downtown revitalization and economic development programs — Round 10 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and Round 5 of the NY Forward program. Together, the two programs have awarded $1.34 billion in funding to 178 communities across every region of the State.
Applications are now available through the State’s Consolidated Funding Application Portal. The deadline to apply is January 8, 2027 at 4 p.m. The deadline for New York City communities to submit their applications to their Borough President’s office is December 30, 2026. An application webinar will be held on November 5, 2026. Interested applicants can register on the DRI or NY Forward websites. The webinar will also be recorded and posted on the program websites.
“New York’s downtowns are at the heart of our communities, bringing people together, supporting local businesses and creating opportunities for growth,” Governor Hochul said. “Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward, we’re helping communities turn their ideas into more welcoming, accessible and economically vibrant downtowns. This new round of funding will build on that progress, giving more communities the resources to strengthen their local economies and create places where people want to live, work and visit.”
New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “Every community has its own vision for what their downtown can become, and the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward economic revitalization programs can help local leaders turn those ideas into action. By pairing State investment with community-driven planning, these state sponsored initiatives support projects that reflect local priorities, bring new life to downtowns and create opportunities for residents and businesses. We encourage communities across New York to take advantage of this funding as they seek to shape the future of their downtowns.”
In the FY 2025 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul made the “Pro-Housing Community” designation a requirement for cities, towns and villages to access State discretionary programs, including the DRI and NY Forward. Certified localities have exclusive access to up to $750 million in State funding. To date, more than 460 municipalities across the State have become Pro-Housing certified.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward give communities the resources and expertise to turn local priorities into projects that strengthen city centers, support commercial districts, and attract new investment. With this $200 million funding round, Governor Hochul is helping more places across the State build on their hometown assets and create vibrant spaces for residents, visitors, and businesses.”
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