Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward
Program Overview
The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward are New York State's flagship economic development programs designed to stimulate transformative growth in downtown neighborhoods. Through targeted grants and strategic plans, these initiatives foster redevelopment, job creation, affordable housing, and vibrant, walkable communities that bolster regional economies and align with state climate goals.
- DRI launched in 2016 and has invested approximately $900 million across 91 communities statewide.
- NY Forward began in 2022, focusing on smaller and often rural downtowns with $300 million allocated to 60 communities.
- Both empower community-driven Strategic Implementation Plans (SIPs) to select prioritised projects.
- Collaborating state agencies include Department of State (DOS), Empire State Development (ESD), NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), and NYSERDA.
- Programs promote housing development, small business support, cultural tourism, infrastructure upgrades, and equitable economic growth.
Source: New York State Division of the Budget, Empire State Development, and DOS, 2025.
Key Metrics and Statewide Impact
2025 NYC Investment Highlights: Long Island City and Hudson Square
NYC neighborhoods Long Island City and Hudson Square were among the 2025 recipients of transformative grants under these programs:
| Neighborhood | Program | Grant Award | Key Investments | Projected Jobs Created | Housing Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Island City | Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) | $10.0M | Waterfront parks, small business support, affordable housing, arts and culture facilities | 1,500+ | 1,700 (mixed-income and affordable) |
| Hudson Square | NY Forward | $4.5M | Streetscape improvements, commercial façade upgrades, green infrastructure | 350+ | 450 (preservation and new construction) |
Data compiled from Empire State Development press releases and NYS budget documents, 2025.
Project Investment Categories and Examples
- Affordable and Mixed-Income Housing: New builds, preservation, and supportive housing aligned with NYS and NYC Housing plans.
- Public Space and Parks: Creation and renovation of parks, waterfront access improvements, and streetscape beautification.
- Small Business and Commercial Revitalization: Façade grants, technical assistance, and incubator programs to support local entrepreneurship.
- Cultural and Tourism Development: Enhancement of theaters, galleries, museums, and heritage sites to attract visitors and investment.
- Climate Resilience and Sustainability: Green infrastructure, energy-efficiency retrofits, and flood-resilience projects within downtown districts.
Upcoming Grant Cycles and Community Engagement
The New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative anticipates Round 8 awarding in Q4 2025, with new application processes planned to expand geographic reach and incorporate equity and climate impact scoring.
- Community listening sessions ongoing in Q3 2025 to refine project priorities.
- Technical assistance webinars scheduled monthly to help applicants build competitive proposals.
- NY Forward expanding outreach to smaller towns and rural areas to increase program access.
Sign up for updates at DOS Downtown Revitalization Initiative and Empire State Development NY Forward.