Governor Kathy Hochul has announced Hoosick Falls and Schuylerville as this year’s Capital Region NY Forward winners, receiving $4.5 million each in funding. Building on the momentum of the state’s successful Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the $100 million NY Forward program adopts the same “Plan-then-Act” strategy as the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, which couples strategic planning with immediate project implementation to support a more equitable downtown resurgence for New York’s smaller and rural communities. Applicants submit a vision for their downtown and a slate of transformative projects to achieve that vision. With the Governor’s commitment this year of $100 million each for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward, the State has now invested a combined total of $1 billion in both programs since their inception.
“Investing in our New York communities means investing in their heartbeat – our downtowns,” Governor Hochul said. “Hoosick Falls and Schuylerville put forth plans to reinvigorate their downtowns, which contribute to making the Capital Region a world-class destination for businesses, families and tourists.”
New York State Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, “The NY Forward program focuses on the smaller and more rural communities throughout the state who are looking to revitalize their downtowns. These awards to Hoosick Falls and Schuylerville will build upon previous investments to prompt more public-private partnerships and improve the economic, social, and cultural well-being of each community.”
Once awarded, NY Forward communities are supported by a professional planning consultant and team of state agency experts led by the New York State Department of State (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.
The Strategic Investment Plans and projects are driven by a Local Planning Committee, which conducts extensive community outreach and engagement. The DOS also provides expansive technical assistance and capacity-building webinars—featuring staff, experts and peers from DRI communities—which are geared toward supporting communities that may have less resources and capacity than larger, more urban communities.
The Village of Hoosick Falls’ NY Forward application focuses on creating safe, walkable and accessible corridors that will serve as transformative connectors among past and future public, private and non-profit projects..
The Village of Schuylerville has experienced a downtown renaissance in recent years, spurred by millions of dollars in strategic public and private investments. The Village’s NY Forward application focuses on efforts to build upon these previous investments and partnerships to increase housing opportunities that will attract more residents; offer new public park and event amenities; create more commercial tourist attractions and overnight lodging; and improve historic signage and wayfinding. The Village plans to complete a slate of transformational NY Forward projects that will culminate in 2027 with the Village’s celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Turning Point of the American Revolution in Schuylerville.
Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Both NY Forward and the DRI highlight the strength and vision of public-private partnerships and economic development that is driven by the communities that best understand their needs and potential.”
”CREDC Co-Chairs Ruth Mahoney, Executive Vice President, President of Wealth Management and Regional President at NBT Bank, and Dr. Havidán Rodríguez, University at Albany President, said, “NY Forward is an economic development booster that is reimagining New York State communities. This funding will help to fully realize our strategic plans for transformative connectors in the Village of Hoosick Falls and to capitalize on the ongoing renaissance in the Village of Schuylerville, drawing more residents and visitors to live, work and play in the Capital Region.”
Assemblymember Carrie Woerner said, “This significant NY Forward award is both a recognition of the historic importance of the Village of Schuylerville and a commitment to its future as a community that nurtures small businesses and growing families. I applaud Mayor Dan Carpenter and the community leaders who crafted the vision represented in the Village of Schuylerville’s application. And, I thank Governor Hochul for her vision in establishing the NY Forward program to invest in New York’s villages and small cities.”
Schuylerville Mayor Dan Carpenter said, “We are excited for this opportunity to partner with the state to work on the Revitalization of Schuylerville, and to bring some of our economic dreams and goals to fruition. I want to thank the governor and the regional economic development team. We look forward to a great working relationship.”