General Resources & Information

Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers - List of regional partners offering financing and technical support for project sponsors.
List of Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFIs)
Complementary Funding Opportunities for the DRi and NYF Projects
Downtown Revitalization Initiative Interactive Guidebook - Please click this link to download the Round 7 guidebook which provides detailed information on the DRI program
Herkimer DRI Winning Application
New York State DRI Brochure
Clinton - Kirkland Strategic Investment Plan - example of a completed Strategic Investment Plan from Round VI of the DRI. The projects in Section IV of the plan that were ultimately awarded are listed here.

For general information about the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) program, please visit https://www.ny.gov/Programs/Downtown-Revitalization-Initiative

DRI Boundary

The DRI area, shown below, is approximately .45 miles long from north to south and approximately 0.3 miles wide from west to east and includes the downtown core and surrounding assets. The DRI area must be a compact, walkable urban core. The boundary was adjusted by the Local Planning Committee in during the first LPC meeting to incorporate all the potential projects included in the DRI Herkimer. Click the map to open a larger image.

Local Planning Committee

Co-Chair: Dana Sherry, Mayor, Village of Herkimer

Co-Chair: Dr. Renee Scialdo Shevat, Member, Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council

John Piseck, CEO, Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency IDA
Nick Laino, Officer in Charge, Herkimer County Community College
Michele Hummel, Executive Director, Herkimer next
Bob Brenchley, Regional President, Adirondack Bank
Chris Connolly, Representative, Herkimer 9
Tammy Crossway, Business Owner, Renewed & Rescused
Amanda Whalen, Clean Energy Community Coordinator Mohawk Valley Economic Development District (MVEDD)
Rich Rhymestine, VP of Operations, Riverhawk Company
Maria Lindsay, Middle School Principal, Herkimer Central School District

Downtown Vision
“Set in the heart of the Mohawk Valley Region, framed by the fertility and natural beauty of the Mohawk River, Erie Canal, and West Canada Creek, the Village of Herkimer is a jewel with multiple facets. The pedestrian-friendly Main Street corridor is a brilliant mix of modern amenities, greenways, historic architecture, and art that builds on Herkimer’s manufacturing, food production, and basketball legacy. From the eclectic retail and entertainment district where residents and visitors alike visit specialty shops and dine at unique restaurants, to the numerous cultural and recreation opportunities for all ages, including a visit to the nearby world-famous diamond mine or
a leisurely stroll to the waterfront, Downtown Herkimer is an ever-evolving community with a respectful historic presence.”

DRI Planning Process and Schedule

As part of the DRI process, Herkimer will develop a Strategic Investment Plan to guide the use of DRI grant funds for transformative revitalization projects. The Strategic Investment Plan will examine local assets and opportunities and include recommended projects that align with the community's vision. The plan is being developed by the Local Planning Committee with input from the public and support from a consultant team and state planners. The final selection of projects that receive DRI funding will be made by the state from the list of projects recommended in the plan.

Below is a milestone schedule for the Herkimer DRI planning process.

About the DRI

New York State's Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) is a cornerstone of the State's economic development program. The DRI helps 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. These compact, walkable downtowns are a key ingredient to helping New York State rebuild its economy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to achieving the State’s bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles. Communities are selected annually by their respective Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) through a competitive application process. Previous winners for the Mohawk Valley Region are Oneonta, Rome, Amsterdam, Utica, Gloversville, and Clinton - Kirkland.

Herkimer was announced as a Round Seven DRI awardee for the Mohawk Valley Region in February of 2024 due to the communities' demonstrated commitment and momentum toward revitalizing downtown. The community has received a $10 million grant from New York State Governor Kathy Hochul to develop a Strategic Investment Plan and implement key catalytic projects that advance the community’s vision for revitalization. The effort will be led by a Local Planning Committee (LPC) composed of municipal representatives, community leaders, and other stakeholders and guided by regular input from the public. The LPC will be supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners.

The DRI is led by the Department of State, in close partnership with Empire State Development, NYS Homes and Community Renewal and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.