Funding Will Support 34 Projects that Align with Region's Strategic Plan

Region Awarded Additional $10 Million to Support Future Local High-Impact Projects

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that Central New York was awarded nearly $26.2 million through Governor Kathy Hochul's 2025 Regional Economic Development Council initiative. This funding will support 34 projects across five counties, leveraging $62.8 million in additional public and private investments. Central New York was also awarded $10 million to use toward future high-impact projects. 

ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Governor Hochul’s REDCs continue to recommend proposals that will create jobs and spur new growth through a locally focused, bottom-up strategy to economic development. By awarding state funding to projects that align with regional priorities, New York is investing in new ideas, new efforts and new developments to promote community growth throughout the state."

Secretary of State and REDC Chair Walter T. Mosley said, "I want to congratulate all the dedicated individuals who worked so hard in helping promote, shape and drive sustainable economic development in our communities. Over the years, the REDC initiative has created jobs, affordable housing and sparked economies all across our state and the Department of State has been proud to play a role. I look forward to witnessing the growth of our communities through this initiative and seeing these projects come to fruition."

Central New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Dr. Linda LeMura and Randy Wolken said,  "We are incredibly grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued investment in the Central New York region. Thank you as well to everyone who is a part of the Regional Economic development Council for their focused vision and hard work, efforts that are truly paying off, creating a brighter future for everyone."

Projects awarded funding in Central New York include: 

• City of Cortland – $6 Million Pro-Housing Supply Fund grant:  The City will complete the design and construction of essential water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure improvements along the Homer Avenue corridor, a high-priority infill area targeted for mixed-use redevelopment. The project will replace infrastructure deficiencies, and coordinate utility upgrades required for two shovel-ready housing developments: Bridgeview Commons, a 61-unit affordable housing community with nonprofit and commercial space, and the Lofts at the Gillette Skirt Factory, a 28-unit adaptive reuse project with mixed-income units. Together, these developments will deliver 89 new homes in a walkable, transit-accessible location.

• Town of Camillus – $3.5 Million Pro-Housing Supply Fund grant: The Town together with Cameron Hinsdale, LLC, will complete an infrastructure project to enable the development of the Church Street Station housing project. The project will require new public infrastructure including roadways, sidewalks, sewer, utilities, grading, and drainage and stormwater improvements. The planned housing component of the project consists of 172 high-quality multifamily housing units that include a mix of townhomes and apartments. This project supports smart growth with denser housing available to mixed income populations, in a bikeable, walkable, transit-accessible community.

• Schneider Packaging Equipment Company, Inc. – $500,000 Regional Council Capital Fund grant; $500,000 Excelsior Jobs Program tax credit: Locally-owned Schneider Packaging Equipment has been manufacturing in Onondaga County for over 55 years will relocate a production line from its sister facility in Quebec, Canada to its location in Brewerton. The expansion will increase capacity for the new production line and allow the company to reconfigure operations to accommodate new roles, including engineers and other professional staff, adding 20 new jobs.

A full list of projects across all 10 regions is available here.

About the Regional Economic Development Councils

The Regional Economic Development Council initiative is a key component of the State's approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, 10 Regional Councils were established to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom-up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources. Learn more at regionalcouncils.ny.gov.

About Empire State Development

ESD is New York’s chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state’s 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through ILOVENY. For more information, please visit ESD’s website here, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter.

 Contact:
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313