Revitalizing downtowns: NY Secretary of state visits Rochester for forum

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – New York Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez visited Rochester Thursday to join city and county leaders to discuss the benefits of New York’s downtown revitalization initiatives, or ‘DRI.’

Rochester is among the local municipalities to be supported in recent years. The Secretary of State discussed how the program is working, and how future areas could benefit.

As part of the upcoming state budget, another $200 million has been set aside to help downtowns across New York thrive.

The funds will be split in half for the state’s DRI program and a newer program called ‘New York Forward,’ which helps smaller communities.

“It’s focusing on smaller $4.5 million awards and it can go to a village or a group of towns or villages. We want to make sure folks are aware we have a variety of different programs regardless of your size to make sure we can transform all corners of the state,” said Rodriguez.

Rochester was chosen as a DRI recipient in 2021 and awarded $10 million to make improvements to a variety of areas including revamping historic structures along E. Main Street, among others.

Rodriguez says the key is building off the remote work trend which emerged during the pandemic, to keep downtown residents downtown.

“I think it’s important we recognize that these programs are one piece of the puzzle for retaining talent in the area. We know more people want to live and work in their downtown areas, so this gives you an opportunity from an economic development perspective to provide those pieces for people to stay,” said Rodriguez.

A number of towns and villages in surrounding counties to Monroe County have also seen the funding. The hope is that more communities will engage in the process, whether they are big or small.

“We haven’t gotten everyone. There’s still a lot of worthy communities we want to encourage to enter in this process,” said Rodriguez.

The city of Geneva was selected as one of the first DRI recipients back in 2016. Officials say their work is expected to be completed soon.

The state is also assisting localities with the application process for the funding. The documents are due by September.

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