Empire State Development news and press releases

City of Long Beach and Village of Lindenhurst to Receive $4.5 Million Each New $100 Million NY Forward Program Builds on Momentum of the Successful Downtown Revitalization Initiative to Support a More Equitable Downtown Recovery for New York's Smaller and Rural Communities Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the City of Long Beach and the Village of Lindenhurst will each receive $4.5 million in funding as the Long Island region winners of the first round of NY Forward. Building on the momentum of the State's successful Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the $100 million NY Forward program adopts the same "Plan-then-Act" strategy as the DRI to support a more equitable downtown recovery for New York's smaller and rural communities. As part of NY Forward Round One, two to three awards will be made to smaller communities in each of the State's ten economic development regions to support development and implementation of a revitalization plan for their downtowns. "Our downtowns create a vital economic lifeline for so many of our smaller communities to thrive, flourish, and reach their full potential," Governor Hochul said. "As we continue to assist New York businesses recover from the pandemic, we are executing an equitable plan with NY Forward to uplift our business districts utilizing the successful blueprint of our Downtown Revitalization Initiative." NY Forward is a central component of the State's economic development efforts, working together with DRI to accelerate and expand the revitalization of New York's downtowns. NY Forward serves smaller communities with historic character that distinguishes them from the larger, more urban central business districts typically funded through DRI. NY Forward communities are walkable, less dense areas that serve the immediate local community, and are more local in nature - focusing on the immediately surrounding residential or rural agricultural centric development. Like DRI, each NY Forward community will develop a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize its downtown through a slate of readily implementable projects. The Department of State will provide enhanced technical assistance to better support smaller communities that may have less capacity as part of the NY Forward program and fund projects appropriately scaled to the size of each community. Projects may include building renovation and redevelopment, new construction or creation of new or improved public spaces and other projects that elevate specific cultural, historical qualities that enhance the feeling of small-town charm. Read the full press release here.

With videoconferencing to: Empire State Development, 633 Third Avenue – 36th Floor Conference Room, New York, New York 10017 This meeting is open to the public. Please Note: Those attending at either location must RSVP by 9:00 a.m. on Monday, January 23, 2023. RSVP press line (800) 260-7313; RSVP Buffalo press line (716) 846-8239; RSVP public line (212) 803-3772 The public may listen to the meeting via webcast by clicking the link below. Members of the public may submit comments on the Agenda item in writing to [email protected] by 9:00 am on Monday, January 23, 2022. All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Directors prior to the meeting and will be posted online.

Downtown Revitalization Investments are a Critical Part of the State's Comprehensive Economic Development and Community Growth Strategy State to Work with Residents, Community Leaders and Public Officials to Revitalize Ticonderoga's Downtown Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the Town of Ticonderoga will receive $10 million in funding as the North Country winner of the sixth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. For Round 6 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, each of the state's 10 economic development regions are being awarded $10 million, to make for a total state commitment of $100 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods. "Our Downtown Revitalization Initiative is key to transforming towns across the state into sustainable, affordable, and walkable communities where residents and visitors alike can thrive," Governor Hochul said. "The infusion of $10 million into Ticonderoga will enhance its natural beauty, revitalize local businesses, highlight its rich history, and ensure it is a community resilient to the challenges the future holds." The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) serves as a component of the State's economic development policy by transforming downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers of activity that offer a high quality of life and attract businesses, jobs and economic and housing diversity. Like past DRI rounds, each selected community will develop a strategic plan through a bottom-up, community-based planning process that articulates a vision for the revitalization of its downtown and identies a list of signature projects that have transformative potential and leverage further private and public investments. The Department of State will then award DRI funds to selected projects with the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and realize the community's vision. Read the full press release here.

Downtown Revitalization Investments are a Critical Part of the State's Comprehensive Economic Development and Community Growth Strategy State to Work with Residents, Community Leaders and Public Officials to Revitalize Dunkirk's Downtown Traducción al español Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the City of Dunkirk will receive $10 million in funding as the Western New York winner of the sixth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. For DRI Round 6, each of the state's 10 economic development regions are being awarded $10 million, to make for a total state commitment of $100 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods. "We are writing a new chapter of opportunity and prosperity for Western New York - prioritizing investments that will make the region a better place to live and visit," Governor Hochul said. "This funding will transform Dunkirk by activating the city's waterfront, creating inclusive workforce housing and expanding economic development opportunities. We will continue to invest in Western New York's revitalization efforts, which will help bring a renewed sense of hope to its communities." The DRI serves as a component of the State's economic development policy by transforming downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers of activity that offer a high quality of life and attract businesses, jobs and economic and housing diversity. Like past DRI rounds, each selected community will develop a strategic plan through a bottom-up, community-based planning process that articulates a vision for the revitalization of its downtown and identifies a list of signature projects that have transformative potential and leverage further private and public investments. The Department of State will then award DRI funds to selected projects with the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and realize the community's vision. Read the full press release here.