(Tuesday, March 22, 2022) – The deadline to submit a proposal to revitalize Downtown is fast approaching. N.Y. State has awarded Rochester $10 million through its Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and the Local Planning Committee tasked with identifying potential projects for those funds is seeking proposals from non-profits, arts and cultural institutions, property owners, developers, and others.

Project proposals are due April 1, 2022. Proposal forms are available at www.cityofrochester.gov/DRI.

The DRI planning team will hold open office hours, 12 noon to 3 p.m., Friday, March 25 at the Mercantile on Main at Sibley Square, 240 E. Main St. This is an opportunity for project sponsors to discuss potential projects, the application process, and the DRI timeline.

“We know that our community can produce the best ideas for the use of this money to improve our Downtown,” said Mayor Evans. “It’s important that whatever project or projects selected align with the community’s vision for Downtown. We are seeking bold, creative and realistic proposals that will help us create a Rochester that is hope-filled with an exciting future.”

The DRI funds may be used for a wide variety of applications, from economic development, transportation, housing, and community initiatives that range in cost and scale from small programs to large-scale capital projects. Funds can be used for public improvement, new development, rehabilitation of existing structures, revolving grant funds, or branding and marketing. Project proposals must include a project sponsor that has the capacity and authority to complete the effort.

More information about Rochester’s DRI, including a map of the project boundary area, prior meeting presentations, and a project email sign-up form can be found at www.cityofrochester.gov/DRI.