New York State is making $200 million available through two major downtown revitalization and economic development programs, Governor Kathy Hochul announced. The funding consists of $100 million each for the ninth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and the fourth round of NY Forward, which focuses on smaller and rural communities.
These programs have distributed $1.2 billion to 151 communities throughout New York State since their inception. Applications for this new round are now open through the state’s Consolidated Funding Application Portal, with a deadline of November 7, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. For New York City applicants, submissions must be sent to borough presidents by October 31, 2025.
To be eligible for DRI or NY Forward funding, local governments must either submit a letter of intent or hold Pro-Housing Community certification before applying. Full certification is required prior to any award announcements. The Pro-Housing Community designation was established in the FY2025 Enacted Budget as a prerequisite for cities, towns, and villages seeking access to state discretionary programs such as DRI and NY Forward. Certified municipalities have exclusive access to up to $750 million in state funding—including a $100 million supply fund for critical infrastructure projects supporting new housing needs like sewer and water upgrades. Over 350 municipalities across New York have obtained Pro-Housing certification so far.
Governor Hochul said, “From bustling city centers to small rural villages, every community needs and deserves the opportunity to thrive. Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward program, we’re making transformative investments that not only strengthen our local economies, but also create vibrant, walkable downtowns for generations to live, work and play. With this new round of funding, we are continuing to build on the success of the more than 150 communities that are already working to turn their visions for revitalization into a reality.”
Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley stated, “The Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward program give communities the tools and resources they need to reimagine their futures and drive meaningful change. Through coupling significant investment with smart planning by the community and for the community, these programs deliver real results that improve the quality of life for residents, attract new businesses and spur additional private investment. We encourage all communities, no matter how small, to apply so we can help bring their visions to life.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight commented, “The Downtown Revitalization and NY Forward initiatives are essential in Governor Hochul’s ongoing efforts to reenergize city and town centers across the state. This latest round of targeted investments will support high-quality, community-driven projects that will benefit small businesses, promote economic growth and create more vibrant downtowns where people want to live, work and play for generations to come.”
