Poughkeepsie, Nyack and Dobbs Ferry Big Winners In DRI, NY Forward Funding

Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday announced that Poughkeepsie will receive $10 million in funding as the Mid-Hudson winner of the eighth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), and the Villages of Nyack and Dobbs Ferry will each receive $4.5 million as the Mid-Hudson winners of the third round of NY Forward.

For Round 8 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and Round 3 of the NY Forward Program, each of the state’s 10 economic development regions are being awarded $10 million from each program, to make for a total state commitment of $200 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods.

“We are changing the game for these communities by supporting affordable housing, local businesses, and sustainable infrastructure,” Governor Hochul said. “I see a future where every New Yorker has the chance to thrive in communities around the state. I want to ensure that New York has neighborhoods that are not just places to live, but places where people can work, grow, and succeed.”

To receive funding from either the DRI or NY Forward program, localities must be certified under Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities Program — an innovative policy created to recognize and reward municipalities actively working to unlock their housing potential. Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities initiative allocates up to $650 million each year in discretionary funds for communities that pledge to increase their housing supply; to date, 287 communities across New York have been certified as Pro-Housing Communities. This year, Governor Hochul is proposing an additional $100 million in funding to support infrastructure projects necessary to create new housing in Pro-Housing Communities, and a further $10.5 million to technical assistance to help communities seeking to foster housing growth and associated municipal development.

Many of the projects funded through the DRI and NY Forward support Governor Hochul’s affordability agenda. The DRI has invested in the creation of more than 4,400 units of housing — 1,823 of which are affordable or workforce housing. The programs committed over $8.5 million to 11 projects that provide affordable or free child care and child care worker training. DRI and NY Forward have also invested in the creation of public parks, public art (such as murals and sculptures) and art, music and cultural venues that provide free outdoor recreation and entertainment opportunities.

Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Dr. Marsha Gordon and Dr. Kristine Young said, “The Mid-Hudson region is a New York State jewel, with Poughkeepsie, Nyack and Dobbs Ferry attracting people to work, play and anchor their roots. This DRI and NY Forward funding will build on the unique assets and beauty of these locations through community-driven plans that will broaden access to housing, expand business opportunities and create a mix of walkable spaces that are accessible and sustainable.” Gordon, who is President and CEO of the BCW, had the honor of leading the regional meeting presenting the checks to the winning communities.