Applications Being Accepted for $225 Million Rochester-Monroe Transformation Initiative

Applications are now being accepted for the $225 million Rochester-Monroe Transformation Initiative (RMTI). In the FY 2027 Enacted Budget, Governor Kathy Hochul committed funding for the initiative, which will be administered by Empire State Development and support investments in transformative projects throughout Monroe County and the City of Rochester. This initiative will focus on projects that support economic development in the areas of strategic placemaking, adaptive reuse, innovation infrastructure, and public safety. Applications will be accepted through the Consolidated Funding Application Process and awarded on a rolling basis.

“My administration is committed to driving economic growth that lifts up every corner of New York State,” Governor Hochul said.“We have already invested more than $500 million in projects throughout Monroe County, and this new initiative will build on that progress, keep the momentum going in Rochester and strengthen communities across Upstate.”

In order to be considered for investment, potential projects must, among other requirements:

• have a transformational impact that will result in clear economic benefits such as job creation, increased visitation, expanded housing or commercial activity, improved public spaces, and/or strengthened neighborhood vitality;
• be highly visible and accessible, creating places or experiences that residents and visitors can readily engage with;
• create benefits that extend beyond the project site, contributing to Rochester and/or Monroe County’s broader revitalization and strengthening its role as a regional hub;
• leverage additional investment, having a clear path to leveraging private, philanthropic, or other public funding, maximizing the impact of state resources;
• demonstrate long-term operational and financial viability to ensure that state-funded investments remain assets well beyond initial implementation.

A full list of RMTI requirements is available at https://esd.ny.gov/rochester-monroe-transformation-initiative. Additional questions may be directed tonys-fingerlakes@esd.ny.gov.

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