The Village of Fairport is seeking public and private project ideas that could help shape its bid for $10 million through New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI).

Residents, business and property owners, developers, nonprofit organizations and community partners are invited to submit potential projects through Oct. 5, 2026.

The DRI is New York State’s competitive downtown revitalization program designed to support projects that can spur investment and strengthen downtown communities.

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.

“We’re looking for ideas that could make a lasting difference in how people experience downtown Fairport,” said Bryan White, Village Manager. “That could mean bringing new life to a property, creating housing, improving a public space or making it easier to move between the places that make Fairport unique.”

Fairport’s DRI application is being developed around a broader vision of strengthening connections throughout the village center — linking Main Street, the Erie Canal waterfront, businesses, public spaces, neighborhoods and other downtown destinations.

Both public and private projects may be considered. Potential proposals could include:

• Redevelopment or improvements to downtown properties
• New housing or mixed-use development
• Upper-floor reuse
• Public space and placemaking improvements
• Pedestrian, bicycle or other connectivity improvements
• Canalfront improvements
• Projects that support business growth, tourism or year-round economic activity

As a designated Pro-Housing Community, Fairport particularly encourages proposals that create or expand downtown housing opportunities.

“A strong DRI application is more than a list of individual projects,” said Johnna McCooey, Executive Director of the Fairport Office of Community and Economic Development. “We are looking for investments that reinforce one another — projects that can leverage state funding, encourage additional private investment and contribute to a more connected and vibrant downtown.”

The Call for Projects is one part of a broader community engagement effort that will help shape Fairport’s DRI application. Additional opportunities for residents and stakeholders to participate will include community pop-up sessions, public open houses and a community survey.

CALL FOR PROJECTS

Submission Period:
Open through Oct. 5, 2026

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

How to Submit:
Complete the online submission form at FairportDRI.com.

Hardcopy submission forms will also be available at:

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

Business & Property Owner Information Session:

Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026
3:00 p.m.
Village Hall Board Room
31 S. Main St.

Fairport, NY 14450

This session will provide information and guidance for property owners, developers and businesses interested in submitting potential private projects.

For Call for Projects materials, updates and upcoming community engagement opportunities, visit FairportDRI.com.

ABOUT THE DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION INITIATIVE (DRI)
The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) is a New York State program that awards $10 million in grant funding to one community in each of the state’s ten economic development regions—Fairport is competing for the Finger Lakes region’s designation. The DRI is designed to transform downtown neighborhoods into vibrant, walkable centers that serve as magnets for economic growth, housing, and cultural activity.

Through the DRI, selected communities receive funding to implement strategic investment plans that advance economic development, improve public spaces, and enhance quality of life. Fairport’s application builds on the community’s strong foundation of economic vitality, walkability, and waterfront access—seeking to identify transformative projects that align with the community’s shared vision for an even more dynamic and sustainable downtown.

ABOUT FAIRPORT OCED
Fairport Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) supports the continued growth of the Village of Fairport into the most sought-after destination in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. Through its three agencies, Fairport OCED focuses on providing investment incentives, supporting local businesses, and improving the quality of life for village residents and visitors.