New York municipalities can seek $200 million through the next rounds of two downtown programs, but applicants face housing, planning and deadline requirements.

Downtown revitalization funding is now available to cities, towns and villages across New York through Round 10 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and Round 5 of NY Forward. Applications are due through the state Consolidated Funding Application portal by 4 p.m. on Friday, January 8, 2027.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the new round on October 29. The state says the two programs have awarded $1.34 billion to 178 communities in every region. The money can support downtown housing, building reuse, public spaces, small-business areas, cultural projects and infrastructure, but a municipal award does not mean every proposed project will receive funding.

How the $200 million is divided

DRI for larger downtowns

The Downtown Revitalization Initiative, commonly called DRI, is designed for larger, walkable downtown areas that serve a regional market. Outside New York City and Long Island, one community in each economic-development region can receive $10 million. A joint application from two or three smaller, adjoining communities with one shared vision is also allowed.

NY Forward for smaller communities

NY Forward is aimed at smaller downtowns, villages, hamlets and neighborhood-scale business districts. In regions outside New York City and Long Island, two communities will receive $4.5 million each. A portion of the regional allocation supports planning and technical assistance.

New York City will receive one $20 million DRI award. Long Island will receive two DRI awards totaling $20 million. The state does not plan separate NY Forward awards for those two regions under this round.

DRI began in 2016 and has awarded $1 billion to 101 communities through nine rounds. NY Forward began in 2022 and has awarded $340 million to 77 communities through four rounds. Hochul described downtowns as being “at the heart of our communities,” while state agencies emphasized housing, local business growth, clean energy and public participation.

Key dates and application rules

• November 5, 2026, at 2 p.m.: State application webinar. The state says a recording will be posted later.
• December 21, 2026: Deadline for an optional Intent to Apply that is required to receive one-on-one pre-application technical assistance. Late notices may not receive office hours.
• December 30, 2026, at 4 p.m.: New York City neighborhood applications are due to the relevant borough president.
• January 8, 2027, at 4 p.m.: Applications outside New York City are due through the Consolidated Funding Application portal.
• Spring 2027: The state expects to announce awards on a rolling basis.
• Summer 2027: Planning is expected to begin for selected communities.

Any New York city, town or village may apply. In New York City, neighborhoods must work through their borough president, who serves as the official applicant. A community may apply to both programs, although the state urges municipalities to select the program that best matches the size and character of the target area.

Applicants must become certified under the state’s Pro-Housing Communities Program before awards are announced. More than 460 municipalities have earned that designation, according to the October 29 release. Certification is not the same as winning a downtown award. It is an eligibility requirement for these and other state discretionary programs.

What a competitive proposal needs

The application guide says DRI proposals should identify at least $12 million to $15 million in ready revitalization projects. NY Forward applicants should identify at least $6 million to $8 million in several connected projects. NY Forward money cannot be directed to one project alone.

State reviewers will examine whether the proposed downtown is clearly defined, compact and able to support a group of projects that reinforce one another. Applicants are also expected to show local support, administrative capacity, private or other public investment, and a credible path from planning to construction.

Possible projects include mixed-use development, upper-floor housing, restoration of vacant buildings, storefront improvements, parks, plazas, trails, cultural spaces and transportation connections. The programs are not open-ended municipal operating grants. Selected communities first work with state agencies and consultants on a Strategic Investment Plan. New York then decides which projects from that plan will receive implementation funding.

Why this matters in the Mohawk Valley

The Mohawk Valley has seen both programs move from award announcements into local planning. In April 2026, Rome received a $10 million DRI award for its historic waterfront and East Dominick Street area. Utica and the Village of Morris each received $4.5 million through NY Forward. Utica’s award focuses on the Uptown District.

The Phoenix has followed the next stage through coverage of the Utica Uptown planning committee and project deadline and an earlier public open house for Uptown residents. Those stories show an important distinction: receiving a community award begins a planning process. It does not automatically fund every idea submitted by a property owner or resident.

Earlier Mohawk Valley winners include Utica, Amsterdam, Oneonta, Gloversville, Herkimer, Clinton and Kirkland under DRI. NY Forward winners include Waterville, Boonville, Dolgeville, Cooperstown, Canajoharie and Sharon Springs. That history means some of the region’s most visible downtown work is already underway, including the completed Munson landscape project in Utica.

Can a previous winner apply again?

The application guide says a previous DRI or NY Forward winner may apply for a different geographic area. An application that overlaps an earlier award may also be considered if the Regional Economic Development Council and Department of State determine that prior projects are substantially complete and the municipality has enough staff and administrative capacity to manage more planning and implementation.

That rule prevents an automatic second award, but it does not permanently bar successful communities. It also creates room for municipalities that have not yet won to make their case. Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego and Schoharie counties are part of the Mohawk Valley economic-development region.

How local residents and businesses can participate

Individuals and businesses do not submit the municipal application themselves. They can ask their city, town or village government whether it plans to apply and which downtown area is being considered. Strong applications usually require public meetings, a clear vision and a realistic list of projects with willing owners and implementation partners.

Residents can identify empty buildings, unsafe crossings, missing housing, public-space needs or commercial corridors that could benefit from coordinated investment. Property owners and nonprofit organizations can prepare basic project information, cost estimates and evidence that a proposal can move forward if selected.

Municipal officials in the Mohawk Valley can direct application questions to the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council at NYS-MohawkVal@esd.ny.gov. The DRI program page and NY Forward program page provide the application guide, webinar registration, Intent to Apply form and funding portal.

Questions communities should answer before applying

A $10 million or $4.5 million award can reshape a district, but it can also raise difficult questions. Communities should explain how new housing will remain affordable, whether existing businesses and tenants could face displacement, how projects will comply with accessibility standards, and who will maintain new public spaces after construction money is spent.

Officials should also show how residents with limited transportation, internet access or English proficiency will be included in planning. Public participation should influence the final project list, not merely document support for decisions already made.

Sources and application resources

• Governor’s October 29 funding announcement
• DRI Round 10 and NY Forward Round 5 application guide
• New York Consolidated Funding Application portal
• Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council

Which Mohawk Valley downtown or commercial corridor should apply next? Share a specific place and the problem a coordinated revitalization plan should solve. Keep comments civil and avoid posting private property or personal contact information.