New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) program is a cornerstone of the State’s economic development program. The DRI transforms downtown neighborhoods into vibrant urban 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 achieve the State’s bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles.
The DRI program is led by the Department of State (NYS DOS), in close partnership with Empire State Development (ESD), NYS Homes and Community Renewal (NYS HCR) and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
Learn more about the DRI program here: DRI Information
The DRI Planning Process
Ithaca DRI
The Ithaca DRI begins with a planning process to identify, develop, and recommend a slate of projects to receive $10 million in DRI funding through the Strategic Investment Plan (SIP).
Community participation is central to the process. Residents, business and property owners, community organizations, government representatives, institutions and visitors are encouraged to attend Local Planning Committee (LPC) meetings and public workshops to learn about the planning process, share ideas and help shape the vision, goals and projects, and guide future investment in the DRI Area.
Plan Timeline
The Ithaca DRI Area
Proposed DRI Study Area Boundary
Anchored by the Ithaca Commons, one of the nation's earliest pedestrian malls, and extending west along the MLK Jr. Street and West State Street corridor, the DRI Area connects many of the places that define Ithaca's character. Businesses, housing, cultural destinations, community institutions, public spaces, and neighborhoods come together here to create a vibrant and diverse urban environment.
The corridor serves as both a destination and a connection point, linking The Commons, the West End, the waterfront, and surrounding neighborhoods. It is a place where residents, workers, students, and visitors intersect, supporting economic activity, cultural expression, and community life.
Today, the area reflects both Ithaca's history and its continued evolution. There are several opportunities to build on these assets to ensure that the DRI Area remains a place of creativity, entrepreneurship, and opportunity at the heart of the community. The $10 million of dedicated DRI funding can fund streetscape, open space, mobility, and pedestrian improvements, housing development, small business support, and more.
Local Planning Committee (LPC)
The Local Planning Committee guides the development of the Strategic Investment Plan and helps ensure that project recommendations accurately reflect community priorities. The LPC is co-chaired by Ithaca Mayor Robert G. Cantelmo and
Tom Schryver, a member of the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council, and is composed of residents, business owners, artists, educators and other local stakeholders. The Committee provides direction throughout the planning process, reviews project submissions, and helps advance a shared vision for the future of the DRI Area.
Local Planning Committee Members
Co-Chair | Robert G. Cantelmo
Co-Chair | Tom Schryver
Johanna Anderson
Steph Bailey
Garrick Blalock
Peter Dugo
Kurt Foreman
Amy Gaulke
Rob Montana
Milany Papachryssanthou
Nan Rohrer
Melissa Tourtellotte
Cindy Wilcox
Paula Younger
Mayor, City of Ithaca
Council Member, Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council (STREDC)
Executive Director, Ascend Workforce Solutions
Chief Development Officer, Community Foundation of Tompkins County
School Board Vice President, Ithaca Central School District
President & CEO, Arnot Realty
President, Ithaca Area Economic Development
Executive Director of Communications & Marketing, Cornell University
Vice President, Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce
Owner, Thompson and Bleecker
CEO, Downtown Ithaca Alliance
Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Centralus
Executive Director, Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County
Executive Director of Government, Community and Constituent Relations, Ithaca College