Empire State Development Corporation

05/08/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/08/2026 13:46

Governor Hochul Announces 27 Transformational Projects in the Capital Region as Part of Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward Programs

Projects Announced in the Villages of Catskill, Athens and Greenwich

Localities Must Be Certified Under Governor Hochul's Pro-Housing Communities Program To Receive DRI or NY Forward Funding

Project Renderings Available Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced awards for a total of 27 transformational projects for the Capital Region as part of two economic development programs: the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward. Ten projects were announced for the Village of Catskill, the Round 8 winner of a $10 million DRI award; 7 projects were announced for the Village of Athens, a Round 3 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award; and 10 projects were announced for the Village of Greenwich, also a Round 3 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award.

"With the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and New York Forward programs, transformational projects aren't just in reach - they're a reality," Governor Hochul said. "Across three localities, the Villages of Catskill, Athens and Greenwich will welcome new and current residents and visitors to vibrant communities that support the long-term economic growth and success of the Capital Region. These exceptional projects will drive local communities and develop thriving hubs for businesses, shopping centers and recreation - that's how we keep New York moving."

DRI and NY Forward communities developed Strategic Implementation Plans (SIPs), which create a vision for the future of their downtown and identify and recommend a slate of complementary, transformative and implementable projects that support that vision. The SIPs are guided by a Local Planning Committee (LPC) comprised of local and regional leaders, stakeholders and community representatives, with the assistance of an assigned consultant and DOS staff, all of whom conduct extensive community outreach and engagement when determining projects. The projects selected for funding from the SIP were identified as having the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and generate new opportunities for long-term growth.

Read the full press release here.

Empire State Development Corporation published this content on May 08, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 08, 2026 at 19:46 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]