State’s Two Signature Downtown Revitalization and Economic Development Programs Have Awarded $1.2 Billion in Funding to 151 Communities
To Receive DRI or NY Forward Funding, Localities Must Either Have a Submitted Letter of Intent or Be Pro-Housing Certified Prior To Application, And Be Fully Certified Prior To Award Announcements
Applications are Due by November 7, 2025 at 4:00 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—$100 million each for Round 9 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and Round 4 of the NY Forward program, which focuses on revitalizing smaller and rural downtowns. Together, the two programs have awarded $1.2 billion in funding to 151 communities across every region of the state. Applications are now available through the State’s Consolidated Funding Application Portal. The deadline to apply is November 7, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. The deadline for New York City communities to submit their applications to their Borough President’s office is October 31, 2025.
“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 said, “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.”
In the FY2025 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, including a $100 million Pro-Housing Supply fund created by Governor Hochul to assist with critical infrastructure projects necessary to create new housing, such as sewer and water infrastructure upgrades. To date, more than 350 municipalities across the State have become Pro-Housing certified.
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.”