NY Forward was launched in 2022 and serves as a central component of the State's economic development efforts, working together with the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), to accelerate and expand the revitalization of New York's downtowns. NY Forward supports smaller communities with historic character that distinguishes them from the larger, more urban central business districts typically funded through DRI. NY Forward communities are walkable, less dense areas that serve the immediate local community, and are more local in nature - focusing on the immediately surrounding residential or rural agricultural centric development. Through the NY Forward program, these smaller downtowns will receive planning and project implementation support needed to attract more businesses, residents, and visitors, while also providing a higher quality of life for all residents.

 

The NYS Department of State (DOS) administers the NY Forward program in close coordination with NYS Homes & Community Renewal (HCR), Empire State Development (ESD), and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

 

In the second year of the NY Forward program, each of the State’s 10 Regional Economic Development Councils had the option of nominating two communities for $4.5 million NY Forward awards. NY Forward funds are also used to provide robust capacity-building and technical assistance directly to communities throughout each phase of the program.

 

Canton will receive $4.5 million in funding as one of the North Country’s recipients of NY Forward funding!