CAZENOVIA, N.Y. -- Gov. Kathy Hochul announced in a press release that the village of Cazenovia will receive $10 million in funding as the Central New York winner of the ninth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI).
The Villages of Marcellus and Mexico, meanwhile, will each receive $4.5 million as the Central New York winners of the fourth round of NY Forward.
For Round 9 of the DRI and Round 4 of the NY Forward Program, each of the state's 10 economic development regions are being awarded $10 million from each program, to make 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.
"Our downtowns keep New York State alive, and we are making significant investments to transform them into vibrant communities for New Yorkers," Hochul said in the release. "With the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward program, these future Main Streets across Central New York will see their plans come to life, increasing economic and housing diversity for their residents and businesses, offering a higher quality of life, and boosting their local economies.
"I look forward to seeing our investments in action."
To receive funding from either the DRI or NY Forward program, localities must be certified under Hochul's Pro-Housing Communities Program -- an innovative policy created to recognize and reward municipalities actively working to unlock their housing potential. Governor Hochul's Pro-Housing Communities initiative allocates up to $750 million each year in discretionary funds for communities that pledge to increase their housing supply; to date, more than 400 communities across New York have been certified as Pro-Housing Communities.
According to the release, any of the projects funded through the DRI and NY Forward support 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%) are affordable or workforce housing. The programs committed $9 million to 12 projects that provide affordable or free childcare and childcare worker training. 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.
To support the efforts to build more housing, Hochul recently launched the new Housing Central New York Fund, a $150 million public-private financing initiative designed to accelerate housing production and keep costs down across Central New York as the region prepares for historic economic growth driven by Micron's $100 billion investment in the region.
Empire State Development (ESD) is seeding the revolving loan fund with $30 million, with an additional $120 million from a range of partners -- including Micron, local financial institutions, and other funders -- with the goal of supporting the development of at least 2,500 new workforce housing units over the fund's initial seven-year term.
$10 Million DRI Award for Cazenovia
Cazenovia is a historic and picturesque community, known for its vibrant downtown, strong sense of place and exceptional quality of life. Anchored by the scenic Cazenovia Lake, the village blends natural beauty with a walkable downtown featuring small businesses and restaurants. In the process of building back after the closure of Cazenovia College in 2023, the Village aims to become a regional hub for economic activity, community gathering, cultural events and recreation.
Drawing from extensive public input, Cazenovia has identified areas in downtown that, if addressed, would build upon the Village's rich heritage and unique character while charting a forward-looking path that strengthens the village's economic base, enhances livability and reinforces downtown as the heart of community life.
Together, these initiatives will create a hub of living, working and recreation that will strengthen Cazenovia's regional appeal and economic resilience. Cazenovia's downtown, conveniently located near Syracuse, is poised to draw the next generation of families to live, work, and play in the area. An additional advantage for Cazenovia is the soon-to-be Micron facility, which will not only benefit the Central New York region but also the entire State of New York for years to come.
$4.5 Million NY Forward Award for Marcellus
The village of Marcellus embraces its timeless traditions (like Olde Home Days) while also welcoming new residents and visitors with open arms. Located off the Seneca Turnpike, this idyllic Onondaga County village features a central downtown filled with thriving small businesses, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and second-to-none trout fishing known throughout the state.
Without walking more than a mile, residents and visitors have access to a library, bookstore, daycare, bank, multiple hair salons, a physical therapist, a dentist and a wide variety of specialty restaurants, cafes and bars. The Village's story of revitalization and adaptation to change began in the 1990s and will continue with the NY Forward funds, which will continue to improve walkability, preserve its historic character, expand green spaces and further support local businesses.
This will create a domino effect and transform Marcellus into a hub of economic and population growth in Central New York.
$4.5 Million NY Forward Award for Mexico
The village of Mexico's downtown is a walkable, historically rich and community-focused hub poised for economic growth. From the iconic brick façade of Beck's Hotel to the restored Starr Clark Tin Shop and the seasonal vibrancy of the downtown park, the downtown district tells a story of resilience and promise.
Leveraging the NY Forward funding, the Village is strategically positioning itself as an attractive residential community for professionals and families drawn to the region by Micron's major semiconductor investment. The Village aims to transform itself into a vibrant, dynamic area that seamlessly blends its rich history with modern vibrancy, marrying the charm of its historic architecture with the energy of its bustling streets lined with thriving local businesses where every corner invites you to explore, connect and experience the essence of community.
Cazenovia joins Homer, Oswego, Cortland, Auburn, Fulton, Oneida, Syracuse, Pulaski, Aurora, Cayuga and Union Springs as winners of the DRI for Central New York; while the Villages of Marcellus and Mexico join Chittenango, Marathon, Phoenix, Moravia, Hamilton, Canastota and Brewerton as NY Forward winners for Central New York.
"The Village of Cazenovia is grateful to Governor Hochul and the Regional Economic Development Council for their support of this transformational opportunity," Cazenovia Mayor Kurt Wheeler said. "When we began the daunting challenge of redeveloping Cazenovia College over three years ago, we looked around for successful models across the northeast, and they were hard to find.
"The Downtown Revitalization Initiative will not only be instrumental in sparking prosperity for our community and region but will help us to create an exemplar for other college towns across the state who face similar challenges."
Cazenovia, Marcellus and Mexico will now begin the process of developing a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize their downtowns.
A Local Planning Committee made up of municipal representatives, 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 and NY Forward grant funds in revitalization projects that are poised for implementation, will advance the community's vision for their downtown and that can leverage and expand upon the state's investment.
The Central New York Regional Economic Development Council conducted a thorough and competitive review process of proposals submitted from communities throughout the region and considered all criteria before recommending these communities as nominees.