​

Governor Kathy Hochul has introduced the Pro-Housing Communities Program, a statewide initiative aimed at prioritizing localities committed to housing growth for up to $650 million in state discretionary funds. This program offers municipalities, including cities, towns and villages the opportunity to apply for Pro-Housing Community certification. Those certified communities will receive preference in their applications for specific discretionary funds from the State grant programs such as Downtown Revitalization Initiative.

The goal of this initiative is to address New York’s housing crisis by incentivizing local governments towards increasing housing supply. To attain Pro-Housing Community designation, municipalities must provide zoning and housing permit data; those with an increase in their current stock of available homes can qualify for certification and be rewarded with access to these grants that promote development while addressing solutions related to affordable living options.