Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) /NY Forward

Open Call for Preliminary Project Proposals
Released: August 19, 2025
Proposals Due: 3PM September 18, 2025
Discussion Session (Optional): September 3, 2025 3:00 – 5:00PM
Come to Rensselaer City Hall between these hours to discuss your project with city staff and consultants from LaBella Associates.

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The City of Rensselaer intends to apply to the New York State Department of State for Round 8 Downtown Revitalization (DRI) ($10 Million) and/or NY Forward ($4.5 Million) Funding.  We are seeking transformative projects for an improved and expanded downtown.  The expanded downtown area, shown above, includes parts of Columbia Street, Broadway, Herrick, East Street and areas in between.  Adjacent and nearby transformative projects that will have a significant impact on this 
area will also be considered.

 

We expect to submit an application in the Fall of 2025 with awards announced in the Spring of 2026. If our proposal is accepted, this will lead to a final planning process with funding for projects available in the spring of 2027.  

 

More information about the Rensselaer DRI / NY Forward and the Preliminary Project Proposal Format can be found by clicking on the below links:

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