Eligible Projects
New Development and/or Rehabilitation of Existing Downtown Buildings
Projects in this category may include the development or redevelopment of real property for mixed-use, commercial, residential, not-for-profit, or public uses. These projects should have a visible and functional impact on the downtown, serving as catalytic or transformative projects that will provide employment opportunities, housing choices, and/or services for the community. Proposals to construct or rehabilitate parking facilities will only be considered if they directly support new development in the downtown area.
Public Improvement Projects
These may include projects such as streetscape and transportation improvements, recreational trails, wayfinding signage, new and upgraded parks, plazas, public art, green infrastructure, and other public realm projects that will contribute to the revitalization of the downtown.
Small Project Fund
A locally managed matching Small Project Fund may be proposed to undertake a range of smaller downtown projects, such as facade enhancements, building renovation improvements to commercial or mixed-use spaces, business assistance, or public art. Funds are capped at $600,000 for DRI communities and $300,000 for NY Forward communities. However, a NY Forward community can receive up to $600,000 if there is substantial demand demonstrated for a Small Project Fund. Each project undertaken under the Small Project Fund must individually meet the required matching requirements.
Branding and Marketing
Downtown branding and marketing projects that may target residents, investors, developers, tourists, and/or visitors are eligible projects. The costs eligible under this category must be one-time expenses, such as those to develop associated materials. Ongoing operational costs, such as funding a downtown manager or maintaining a website, are not eligible for DRI/NY Forward funding. This project type is intended for the overall branding and marketing of a downtown, not to provide branding and marketing services to individual downtown businesses or other entities.
Project Requirements
Timing
Projects must be able to break ground within two years or sooner of receiving DRI/NY Forward funding.
Project Size and Scale
Projects must be large enough to be truly transformative for the downtown area. Standalone NY Forward projects must be at least $75,000 in total project cost. Projects less than $75,000 can be submitted through this process as a demonstration of demand for a Small Project Fund.
Project Sponsors
Every project must have an identified project sponsor. Sponsors may be public, not-for-profit, or private entities with the capacity and legal authority to undertake the proposed project. Proposals with project sponsors that are membershiponly organizations or religious facilities must propose projects that are available to the public and not just to active members.
Financing
Projects should have financing commitments largely secured or be able to demonstrate a clear path to securing sufficient financing. This financing, combined with NY Forward funding, should enable the sponsor to undertake the project expeditiously.
Matching and Leverage
For projects with a private sponsor, there is a minimum match requirement of 25% of the total project cost. There is no minimum match requirement for public or not-for-profit projects. However, the LPC may impose additional match requirements as part of the planning process for all project types. For a Small Project Fund, matching requirements must be no less than 25% of the total cost per project. (The LPC can change match requirements. Check back after LPC Meeting #2 on October 6, 2026)
Site Control
The project sponsor must have site control or be in the process of acquiring site control. If the project sponsor is leasing or renting the proposed project site, the property owner must agree to the proposed project in writing.
Reimbursement
Any NY Forward funding provided for projects will be made available on a reimbursement basis only after expenses are incurred or, in some cases, after a project has been successfully completed in its entirety. Project sponsors will be expected to demonstrate financial capacity to complete the project while awaiting reimbursement.