Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the availability of $200 million in funding through two statewide programs aimed at supporting downtown revitalization and economic development. The funding is split evenly, with $100 million allocated for Round 9 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and another $100 million for Round 4 of the NY Forward program, which focuses on smaller and rural communities. Applications are open via the State’s Consolidated Funding Application Portal, with a deadline of November 7, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. For New York City communities, applications must be submitted to their Borough President’s office by October 31, 2025.
Since their inception, these programs have distributed $1.2 billion to 151 communities throughout New York State.
“From bustling city centers to small rural villages, every community needs and deserves the opportunity to thrive,” Governor Hochul said. “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.”
Under this year’s enacted budget (FY2025), municipalities must have a “Pro-Housing Community” designation in order to access state discretionary programs like DRI and NY Forward. Localities that meet this requirement have exclusive access to up to $750 million in state funds. This includes a dedicated $100 million Pro-Housing Supply fund set aside by Governor Hochul for critical infrastructure projects such as sewer and water upgrades necessary for new housing construction. Currently, over 350 municipalities across New York have achieved Pro-Housing certification.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said,“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.”
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas commented,“I urge all those who are eligible to apply for the $200 million available through New York’s premier economic development programs. By injecting DRI and NY Forward resources directly into communities that have demonstrated a commitment to housing and to balanced, thoughtful growth, Governor Hochul has opened the door to a new generation of development that will serve these Pro-Housing Communities, their businesses, Main Streets, and residents well into the future. I am proud of the role that HCR is playing in this game-changing program and know that, along with our partners, we will be assisting beneficial and incremental change in cities, towns and villages across the state.”
Doreen M. Harris from New York State Energy Research & Development Authority added,“Revitalizing downtown urban and rural communities across the state is an opportunity to transform aging buildings into modern, energy-efficient, and comfortable mixed-use spaces and housing. NYSERDA is proud to contribute to these vital efforts that are shaping vibrant, walkable neighborhoods in New York while fostering healthier lifestyles and laying a solid foundation for long-term economic growth.”
The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was started in 2016 as an effort by state agencies including DOS (Department of State), HCR (Housing & Community Renewal), ESD (Empire State Development), and NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research & Development Authority) working together on technical assistance for participating communities. The DRI uses a plan-then-act approach combining strategic planning with implementation support; joint applications from two or three neighboring communities within one regional council area will be accepted this round.
So far DRI has awarded $900 million over eight rounds benefiting 91 communities statewide while contributing towards more than 4,500 new housing units created through funded projects.
The NY Forward program began under Governor Hochul as part of her fiscal year 2022 budget initiative designed specifically for smaller towns or villages—places often distinct from larger cities supported under DRI—with funding set at $100 million in this year’s budget cycle alone. Over its first three rounds it has awarded $300 million across 60 different communities.
NY Forward also provides tailored technical assistance throughout both application preparation phases as well as project implementation; each region receives two awards worth $4.5 million each except in New York City where neighborhood scale allows combining funds into one single $20 million award.
More details about both programs—including differences between them—can be found on their respective educational brochures available online via [DRI](https://www.ny.gov/programs/downtown-revitalization-initiative) or [NY Forward](https://www.ny.gov/programs/ny-forward).
