New York State is expanding its commitment to addressing the housing crisis with over $100 million in new investments for projects in certified Pro-Housing Communities. As part of the latest round of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative, these funds contribute to a total of $123 million aimed at bolstering housing development and infrastructure across the state. The Pro-Housing Communities initiative provides up to $650 million annually in discretionary funding to municipalities that commit to increasing their housing supply, with 273 communities already certified. To build on these efforts, an additional $110 million in infrastructure funding has been proposed to support planning and development in these areas.
This latest round of funding supports a variety of projects designed to enhance economic growth and quality of life in communities prioritizing housing expansion. The Capital Improvement Grants for Pro-Housing Communities Program has awarded over $55 million—exceeding the initial $40 million allocation due to overwhelming demand. Other programs, including Market New York and the New York Main Street program, have directed additional resources to certified municipalities, reinforcing the state’s commitment to smart growth and economic sustainability.
Projects receiving funding span multiple regions, addressing critical housing and infrastructure needs. In Schenectady, a new child care and family support center will be built in a designated child care desert. Syracuse will see the redevelopment of the historic Chimes Building into a mixed-use residential and commercial hub. Rochester’s investment includes a new public library integrated into an affordable housing development, while Riverhead is transforming its waterfront with an amphitheater and flood-resilient public space. Additional initiatives include workforce housing developments, water and sewer upgrades, and innovative biotech and sustainability projects in Brooklyn.
With additional funding set to be awarded in the coming weeks through programs like the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and New York Forward, New York’s investment in housing and infrastructure continues to accelerate. These efforts not only expand the availability of affordable housing but also enhance economic resilience and community development, ensuring that municipalities committed to housing growth receive the resources needed to thrive.
