City of Poughkeepsie Receives $10 Million From Downtown Revitalization Initiative

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the City of Poughkeepsie will receive $10 million in funding as the Mid-Hudson winner of the eighth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). 

For Round 8 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, 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.

In response to the award to the City of Poughkeepsie, former mayor and current New York State Senator, Rob Rolison, issued the following statement: 

“This investment is a game-changer for the City of Poughkeepsie, reinforcing the ongoing transformation into a dynamic and thriving downtown. I have worked for years, with partners in the City like Mayor Flowers, to strengthen the City’s economy. I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of local leaders and residents in shaping a stronger, more vibrant future and this funding will help build on that progress, bringing new opportunities for businesses, residents, and visitors alike. I can't wait to see the lasting impact this will have on our community.”

To receive funding from either the DRI or NY Forward program, localities must be certified under Governor 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 $650 million each year in discretionary funds for communities that pledge to increase their housing supply; to date, 287 communities across New York have been certified as Pro-Housing Communities. This year, Governor Hochul is proposing an additional $100 million in funding to support infrastructure projects necessary to create new housing in Pro-Housing Communities, and a further $10.5 million to technical assistance to help communities seeking to foster housing growth and associated municipal development.

The City of Poughkeepsie’s downtown corridor serves as the civic, commercial, entertainment and transportation heart for Dutchess County and much of Mid-Hudson Valley. This critical zone not only serves the residents living in the City and Town of Poughkeepsie, but hundreds of thousands from beyond its municipal borders, including numerous commuters who converge on the Poughkeepsie Metro North Station daily. Legendary entertainment and hospitality venues — including the Bardavon 1869 Opera House, the Chance Theatre, the Mid-Hudson Civic Center and the former Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel — draw visitors to the City throughout the year. Once the epicenter of the region’s commerce, industry and entertainment, the so-called “Queen City on the Hudson” envisions its Main Street Corridor serving as the beating heart of a bustling and thriving city and a multi-modal transportation link to all the critical assets and attractions in Poughkeepsie.