Governor Hochul Announces New York City Winner of Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward Program

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the Brooklyn neighborhood of East Williamsburg will receive $20 million in funding as the New York City winner of the ninth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and the fourth round of NY Forward. Recognizing the unique scale and density of New York City neighborhoods, New York City NY Forward and DRI funding are being combined into one $20 million award. For Round 9 of the DRI and Round 4 of the NY Forward Program, each of the State's 10 economic development regions is being awarded $10 million from each program, for a total state commitment of $200 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods. To date, total investments in the DRI and NY Forward have reached $1.4 billion.

"East Williamsburg is a neighborhood that embodies the ideals that make New York great - from family-owned restaurants to small businesses that light up the community," Governor Hochul said. "For the more than 60,000 New Yorkers who call this neighborhood home, the $20 million that East Williamsburg is receiving will help to build more affordable housing in the neighborhood and bolster the community's local economy for generations to come."

To receive funding from either the DRI or NY Forward program, localities must be certified under Governor Hochul's Pro-Housing Communities Program, which recognizes and rewards municipalities actively working to unlock their housing potential and encourages others to follow suit. After becoming certified, localities have exclusive access to up to $750 million in discretionary state funding, including DRI and NY Forward. Since the launch of the Pro-Housing Communities Program, funds awarded to Pro-Housing Communities throughout the state have supported up to 20,000 more homes. To date, more than 420 communities across New York have been certified.

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 5,000 units of housing - more than 2,000 of which (40 percent) are affordable or workforce housing. The programs committed $9 million to 12 projects that provide affordable or free childcare and childcare worker training. The 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.

$20 Million Combined Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward Award for East Williamsburg, Brooklyn
East Williamsburg is home to roughly 62,000 residents and is shaped by a mix of residential life, local business activity, and nearby industrial uses. The neighborhood includes two Business Improvement Districts that support a wide range of small businesses such as restaurants, shops, salons, groceries, and pharmacies, many of which are locally owned and have long served the community.

This combination of commercial activity and industrial history has helped create a more affordable, diverse and closely connected neighborhood. It is also supported by longstanding community organizations with deep local ties and experience in housing and economic development, helping to guide continued investment and improvement in the area.

New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, "As a Brooklyn native, I know firsthand the strength and diversity that neighborhoods like East Williamsburg bring to New York City. East Williamsburg's small businesses, industrial roots and close-knit community have helped generations of working families build their lives and livelihoods in Brooklyn. This investment will continue the trajectory of growth happening in Brooklyn while preserving the character that makes it so special for residents that have lived there for generations. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to investing in communities across New York State."

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "East Williamsburg reflects the kind of vibrant, community driven neighborhood the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs were designed to support. This investment will help strengthen local businesses, improve public spaces, support housing and build on the neighborhood's unique character and industrial heritage while creating new opportunities for residents and entrepreneurs alike."

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward, HCR is partnering with communities across New York State to create stronger neighborhoods, support small businesses and expand opportunities for residents. This $20 million investment in East Williamsburg will help build on the neighborhood's unique mix of residential, commercial and industrial assets by supporting projects that enhance public spaces, strengthen local economic activity and create new housing opportunities. By linking DRI and NY Forward funding to the Pro-Housing Communities Program, Governor Hochul is ensuring that revitalization and housing growth go hand in hand. East Williamsburg's strong community institutions, diverse small business corridor and rich industrial heritage make it well-positioned to leverage this investment into long-term economic vitality and a higher quality of life for current and future residents."

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) President and CEO Dorren M. Harris said, "Governor Hochul is delivering strategic investments to communities across the state to transform the spaces where New Yorkers work, live and play. I look forward to seeing how the community of East Williamsburg in Brooklyn leverages the latest in clean, modern building solutions to reimagine their community spaces to create vibrant economic hubs."

New York City Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Félix V. Matos Rodríguez and William D. Rahm said, "East Williamsburg's mix of small businesses, manufacturing history and strong community institutions make it a vital part of New York City's economy and culture. This funding will help the neighborhood build on its momentum, support inclusive growth and advance projects that strengthen quality of life for residents, workers and local businesses."

Graham Avenue BID CEO Alberto Valentin said, "This DRI award is a huge win for Williamsburg, as well as a win for the power of NYS government's sustained partnership with local communities, a win for the positive potential of collaboration and capacity building, and a win for the promise of community partners working together in support of our downtown commercial corridors."

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said, "This $20 million investment from Governor Hochul is a resounding victory for the generations of families, workers, small business owners, and community organizations that have built East Williamsburg and stood by it through decades of change. This investment is a reminder that we can ask our leaders to do big things and actually expect them to deliver. And thanks to this Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding, we will. East Williamsburg will be more livable, our businesses will be better supported, and our public realm will better reflect the needs of local residents. I am proud to have led this application alongside the Graham Ave BID and Grand St BID on behalf of the East Williamsburg community,"

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez said, "North Brooklyn has built a significant amount of housing in the last two decades. East Williamsburg, however, saw the kind of developments unravel that jeopardized their cost of living and displaced so many long term black and brown residents. Through this $20 million grant, residents of East Williamsburg will work with one another, small businesses, planning experts, and other stakeholders to implement a vision that helps solve for our affordable housing crisis. I want to thank Governor Hochul for this opportunity, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso for his commitment to make this happen."

State Senator Julia Salazar said, "With its diverse mix of working class families, small businesses, and industrial roots, East Williamsburg is an excellent choice for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. I'm thankful to the Governor for this $20 million investment, which will increase our neighborhood's affordability, strengthen our local economy, and protect our diversity."

Assemblymember Maritza Davila said, "East Williamsburg is a vibrant community built by working families, small businesses, immigrants, artists, and long-standing neighborhood institutions. This $20 million investment through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward Program, is an important opportunity to strengthen the neighborhood while ensuring that the revitalization also benefits the residents and businesses who have helped shape its identity for generations. I thank Governor Hochul for uplifting East Williamsburg's potential and for investing in projects that can expand housing opportunities, improve public spaces, support local businesses, and enhance the quality of life for our community."

East Williamsburg, Brooklyn will now begin the process of developing a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize its downtown. A Local Planning Committee made up of community leaders and other stakeholders will lead the effort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The Strategic Investment Plan will guide the investment of DRI grant funds in revitalization projects that are poised for implementation and will advance the community's vision for its downtown so that it can leverage and expand upon the state's investment.

The New York City Regional Economic Development Council conducted a thorough and competitive review process of proposals submitted from the Borough Presidents and their communities throughout NYC and considered all criteria before recommending this Brooklyn community as its nominee.

About the Downtown Revitalization Initiative
The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. Led by the Department of State with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative "plan-then-act" strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation and results in compact, walkable downtowns that are a key ingredient to helping New York State rebuild its economy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as help reduce emissions by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles. Through nine rounds, the DRI will have awarded a total of $1 billion to 99 communities across every region of the State. The FY 2027 Enacted Budget provides $100 million in funding for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative.

About the NY Forward Program
First announced as part of the 2022 Budget, Governor Hochul created the NY Forward program to build on the momentum created by the DRI. The program works in concert with the DRI to accelerate and expand the revitalization of smaller and rural downtowns throughout the State so that all communities can benefit from the State's revitalization efforts, regardless of size, character, needs and challenges.

NY Forward communities are supported by a professional planning consultant and team of State agency experts led by DOS to develop a Strategic Investment Plan that includes a slate of transformative, complementary and readily implementable projects. NY Forward projects are appropriately scaled to the size of each community; projects may include building renovation and redevelopment, new construction or creation of new or improved public spaces and other projects that enhance specific cultural and historical qualities that define and distinguish the small-town charm that defines these municipalities. Through four rounds, the NY Forward program will have awarded a total of $340 million to 77 communities across every region of the State. The FY 2027 Enacted Budget provides $100 million in funding for NY Forward.