Downtown Revitalization Initiative

The Village of Fairport is pursuing a Downtown Revitalization Initiative / New York Forward award from New York State. The DRI provides a $10 million award to one community in each of the State’s ten Regional Economic Development Council regions. The DRI’s sister program, New York Forward (NYF) provides two $4.5 million awards to two communities in each of the State’s ten regions.

This page will provide the latest information about the application process, including details on upcoming events, materials used over the course of our application efforts, and information on how to get involved as a project sponsor or member of the public.

What is the DRI?

New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative and New York Forward awards are cornerstones of the State’s economic development program, intended to transform downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers that offer a high quality of life and are magnets for redevelopment, business, job creation, and economic and housing diversity.

Call for Projects

The Village is looking for projects that could bring new investment downtown, create or expand housing, improve public spaces, strengthen connections between key destinations, enhance the Erie Canal waterfront and support economic activity.

Projects do not need to be fully designed or finalized to be submitted. Early-stage concepts are encouraged. As a designated Pro-Housing Community, Fairport particularly encourages proposals that create or expand downtown housing opportunities.

Submission Period:
Sept. 1 through Oct. 5, 2026

Who Can Submit:
Residents, businesses, property owners, developers, nonprofit organizations and other community stakeholders

How to Submit:
>>> View more details and complete the online submission form here.

Alternatively, you may download this Word Document and submit a complete
PDF version via email to abigail.ritz@mrbgroup.com.

Hardcopy submission forms are also available at:

• Fairport Public Library
• Fairport Village Hall — Village Clerk’s Office

Proposed Projects

An overview of proposed transformational projects, both public and private, will be available for viewing as they are developed (early Fall 2026). It is important to note that these projects will be conceptual in nature, and should Fairport be awarded the DRI grant, there will be another Call for Projects, along with significant opportunities for community opinion and feedback to help shape any projects that may move forward past conception.

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