Gov. Kathy Hochul in Dunkirk in 2023.

Two Chautauqua County municipalities are recipients of New York state funding on Friday.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the city of Jamestown will receive $10 million in funding as the Western New York winner of the ninth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), and the villages of Falconer and Hamburg will each receive $4.5 million as the Western New York winners of the fourth round of NY Forward. For Round 9 of the DRI and Round 4 of the NY Forward Program, each of the state’s 10 economic development regions is being awarded $10 million from each program, for a total state commitment of $200 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods. To date, total investments in the DRI and NY Forward have reached $1.4 billion.

“When we invest in our neighborhoods, we invest in our communities — that is a foundational principle of local government power to create lasting change,” Governor Hochul said. “As a daughter of Buffalo — and one proud Buffalo Bills fan — I’ve represented Western New York for decades and seen how communities have grown when time and money were dedicated to them. Jamestown, Falconer and Hamburg have exciting futures ahead, and I’m eager to see how the very region I grew up in will continue to expand its downtowns, welcoming current and new visitors to lively shopping scenes and new outdoor recreational spaces.”

The City of Jamestown was once again selected as the winner for Western New York, after it was named the first winner for the region in 2016. Known as the “Prettiest, Grittiest, Big Little City,” Jamestown is a community rooted in resilience, creativity and a deep sense of civic pride. Its rich industrial heritage continues to shape a future built on innovation, culture, and opportunity. Strategic investments and strong partnerships have helped transform the City’s downtown, spurring new housing, business development and vibrant public spaces. Anchors such as the National Comedy Center have elevated Jamestown’s national profile while energizing its cultural economy.

Building on the success of its first DRI award, the City’s next phase of revitalization will extend from its historic core to the shores of the Chadakoin River. This “Core to Shore” vision will connect downtown’s commercial, residential and cultural assets with its growing waterfront district. Guided by inclusive planning and bold community partnerships, Jamestown continues to build a welcoming City where residents, businesses and visitors alike can thrive.

Nestled along the banks of the Chadakoin River and Moon Brook, Falconer is a close-knit community where neighbors know one another and local businesses remain at the heart of village life. Despite some recent setbacks, including devastating fires that damaged much of its historic downtown core, the Village has shown remarkable resilience and determination to build back stronger than before. Guided by proactive planning and community leadership, the Village is working to transform its Main Street corridor into a lively, walkable district filled with new businesses, housing opportunities and inviting public spaces. Local parks, waterfront access and cultural programming help define the Village’s strong sense of place while enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors alike. With momentum already underway from recent small business development and growing regional industries, Falconer is well-positioned to expand economic opportunity while preserving its welcoming character. NY Forward funding will help the Village breathe new life into underutilized spaces, strengthen its downtown economy and enhance community gathering places. Through this investment, Falconer is ready to build a resilient, inclusive downtown that reflects the pride and determination of the community that calls it home.

To receive funding from either the DRI or NY Forward program, localities must be certified under Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities Program, which recognizes and rewards municipalities actively working to unlock their housing potential and encourages others to follow suit. After becoming certified, localities have exclusive access to up to $750 million in discretionary state funding, including DRI and NY Forward. Since the launch of the Pro-Housing Communities Program, funds awarded to Pro-Housing Communities throughout the state have supported up to 20,000 more homes. To date, more than 420 communities across New York have been certified.

Many of the projects funded through the DRI and NY Forward support Governor Hochul’s affordability agenda. The DRI has invested in the creation of more than 5,000 units of housing — more than 2,000 of which are affordable or workforce housing. The programs committed $9 million to 12 projects that provide affordable or free childcare and childcare worker training. The DRI and NY Forward have also invested in the creation of public parks, public art — such as murals and sculptures – and art, music and cultural venues that provide free outdoor recreation and entertainment opportunities.