Strategic Planning and Feasibility Studies Program

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Objective

ESD’s Urban and Community Development Program promotes economic development in the State of New York by encouraging economic and employment opportunities and stimulating development of communities and urban areas.

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Overview

Program funding  is available for working capital grants of up to $100,000 each to support 1) strategic development plans for a city, county, or municipality or a significant part thereof and 2) feasibility studies for site(s) or facility(ies) assessment and planning. Projects should focus on economic development purposes, and preference shall be given to projects located in highly distressed communities.

Special consideration shall be given to projects supporting Regional Economic Development Council Opportunity Agenda priorities, Downtown Revitalization Initiative projects, and projects identified in the NY Rising Community Reconstruction Program recovery plans. 

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Eligibility

ELIGIBLE

  • Cities
  • Counties
  • Municipalities
  • Business Improvement Districts
  • Local Development Corporations
  • Not-for-profit Economic Development Organizations*

* If awarded funding, prior to ESD Directors’ approval and execution of a contract with ESD, a not-for-profit corporation must be registered and up-to-date with filings with the New York State Office of the Attorney General’s Charities Bureau and the New York State Office of the State Comptroller’s VendRep System and must be prequalified in the New York State Grants Gateway.

ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES / PROGRAM BENEFIT REQUIREMENTS

Assistance is available in the following two categories:

  • Preparation and development of strategic development plans for a city, county or municipality or a significant part thereof; and
  • Studies, surveys or reports, and feasibility studies and preliminary planning studies to assess a particular site or sites or facility or facilities for any economic development purpose other than residential, though mixed-use facilities with a residential component are allowed.
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Additional Resources

Program guidelines

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How to Apply

For more information, eligible applicants should contact their local Empire State Development Regional Office.