Applications for a Share of $9.7 Million in DRI Funding Due October 16
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announced that project proposals will be accepted for the Hudson Gateway Connector Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) beginning September 10, 2026. The Open Call for project proposals runs through October 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM.
The City of Yonkers was awarded $10 million in DRI funding from New York State to strengthen connections to the Hudson River through expanded public access, walkable streetscapes, and new cultural and recreational destinations.
“Yonkers’ waterfront is one of our city’s greatest assets, and this Open Call gives residents, businesses and community organizations an opportunity to help shape its future,” said Mayor Spano. “We are looking for practical, transformative projects that strengthen connections to the Hudson River and create lasting benefits for the people who live, work and visit here.”
The DRI program funds transformational projects with the potential for immediate impact on the community’s downtown. A Local Planning Committee will evaluate and recommend projects to the State. The State will award up to $9.7 million in grants to projects that advance the community’s vision and goals for the downtown waterfront. The remaining funds will support the strategic planning process. Awarded project sponsors will contract with the appropriate State agency and are expected to break ground within two years of award.
All recommended projects will be profiled in a Strategic Investment Plan for the DRI area. The plan will examine local assets and opportunities for economic development and community revitalization and guide investment in the Hudson Gateway Connector DRI area.
New York State launched the DRI in 2016 to accelerate the revitalization of downtowns within each of the State’s 10 Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC) into centers that attract redevelopment, business growth, job creation and housing diversity.
Application information: Eligibility information, evaluation criteria and the application are available at www.yonkersdri.com.
Paper applications: Call the Mayor’s Office at 914-377-6300 to request a paper application for pickup at the Yonkers City Hall Security Desk, 40 South Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701.
To learn more about the New York State DRI program, visit ny.gov/programs/downtown-revitalization-initiative.
To learn more about the Yonkers DRI, visit www.yonkersdri.com.