NEW YORK CITY—New York State's 2020 budget has included $100 million as part of its Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The funds will support 10 additional downtown neighborhoods, one in each of the state's regions. In its fourth year, the program seeks to boost local economies and encourage livability in neighborhoods across the state.

Money from the initiative has gone to 30 communities to date. Governor Cuomo has announced the competition as a comprehensive, multi-agency approach to transform vulnerable, vacant or forgotten areas into livable, walkable, dynamic neighborhoods.

The Regional Economic Development Council will select one community in each of the 10 Regional Economic Development Council zones to receive a $10 million investment following a competition that evaluates the potential for revitalization in each of the downtown areas.

Submissions will be judged on the following criteria: the downtown being compact and within well-defined boundaries; an ability to capitalize on investments; recent or impending job growth; an attractive and livable community for a diverse population of all ages; an ability to create and implement quality of life policies; an open, robust community engagement process; and identified transformative projects ready for implementation with an infusion of the revitalization funds.

In New York City, Jamaica, Queens, Bronx Civic Center and Downtown Brooklyn have received the award in prior years.

More information on the Downtown Revitalization Initiative is available at www.ny.gov/dri.

Applications are due on Saturday, May 31, 2019 at 4:00 pm.

Instant Insights /

NYS 2020 Budget Includes $100M for Downtown Revitalization

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