The period to submit applications is now closed. Applications were due by August 15, 2025.

There are two (2) types of application forms listed below: An Open Call for Projects DRI Form and a Letter of Interest Form for the Small Project Fund.

A Letter of Interest can be submitted for projects less than $75,000 in total cost.

Webinar on Application Process: A webinar was provided July 17, 2025, 5:30-7:00pm to review the application forms. The webinar reviewed the forms page by page and also answered questions from prospective applicants.

A how-to video outlining the process of completing the application form can be found here.

Eligible Project Types

Note: If your project does not meet all of the criteria described in this section, we still want to hear your project idea!

• 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.

• 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. All projects should be capital investments or should lead to capital investments. They 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.

• 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. The municipality or its designee would be the applicant for the small project fund. However, eligible property or business owners may submit a letter of interest to participate in the fund. A letter of interest form will be made available at the same time as the Open Call application form.

• Branding and Marketing | Examples include downtown branding and marketing projects that may target residents, investors, developers, tourists, and/or visitors. The costs eligible under this category must be one-time expenses, such as those to develop materials and signage. The municipality or its designee would be the applicant for branding and marketing activities.

Project Requirements

The following are the requirements projects should meet to be considered for DRI funding. Recognizing several requirements must be met to qualify for DRI funding, each project sponsor will have access to technical support from State agencies and a consultant team to assist with project development. Some additional requirements will be announced when the Application Form is released in a few weeks.

• Project Location. Projects must be located within the DRI boundary. If your project is located outside the DRI boundary, please provide a brief description of how the project relates to the downtown and supports the stated goals of the DRI. Minor boundary modifications may be considered by the LPC.

• Project Timing. Projects must be able to break ground within two years or sooner of receiving DRI funding.

• Project Size and Scale. Projects must be large enough to be truly transformative for the downtown area. Standalone DRI projects must be at least $75,000* in total project cost. * A higher minimum budget may be set by the LPC and listed on the application form. DRI Projects less than $75,000 may submit a letter of interest for the Small Project Fund.

• Project Funding. Projects should have financing commitments largely secured
  or be able to demonstrate a clear path to securing sufficient financing. It is strongly encouraged that all projects, especially private projects, use non-DRI funds that leverage requested public funding. Projects that use other funding sources will be more competitive for funding awards.

• For projects with a private sponsor, a minimum match of 25%* of the total project cost is required. *A higher amount maybe established by the LPC and listed on the final application form. There is no minimum match requirement for public or not-for-profit projects.

• 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.

• Description of long-term financial feasibility: At a minimum, project sponsors will be required to submit documentation demonstrating the ability to financially maintain the business/building after project completion

• Building Decarbonization. For DRI communities, all public, private, and not-for-profit projects that meet the criteria for new construction, substantial renovation, or a building addition shall include decarbonization techniques. Each project that meets the criteria will be required to select a method of demonstrating that the project satisfies the requirements.

• Provide images of project if applicable

Ineligible Project Types

• Planning activities. Following the preparation of the Strategic Investment Plan, all DRI funds must be used for projects that directly implement the plan.

• Operations and maintenance. DRI funds cannot be used for on-going or routine expenses, such as staff salaries and wages, rent, utilities, and property up keep.

• Pre-award costs. Reimbursement for costs incurred before the completion of the Strategic Investment Plan and the announcement of funding awards is not permitted.

• Property acquisition. The cost of property acquisition can be included in the overall project budget, but the acquisition must be funded by another funding source.

• Training and other program expenses. The DRI and NYF programs are a one-time infusion of funds and cannot be used to cover continuous costs, such as training costs and expensed related to existing programs.

• Expenses related to existing programs. DRI funds cannot be used to supplement existing programs or replace existing resources.