FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2026, City of Ithaca, NY
The City of Ithaca has been awarded $10 million through New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative, marking a major milestone in the City’s ongoing effort to strengthen its downtown core, support local businesses, expand housing opportunities, and invest in public spaces. The award was announced as part of Round 9 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, a highly competitive statewide program that supports transformative, community driven economic development projects.
Ithaca’s successful application was shaped by extensive public engagement, collaboration with project sponsors, and a shared vision for revitalizing the MLK Jr. Street and West State Street corridor while reinforcing the vitality of Downtown Ithaca and The Commons. The City’s DRI proposal outlines a strategic, place‑based approach that invests in housing creation, historic preservation, cultural assets, infrastructure improvements, and locally driven economic development projects. Together, the selected projects represent a proposed portfolio of significant private and public investment that could advance equity, sustainability, and long-term economic opportunity, subject to future funding decisions and project level approvals.
“Since I was first elected, I have fought tirelessly to promote economic and community development. This $10 million investment in the West Martin Luther King Street corridor will create hundreds of new homes, catalyze new business, and attract hundreds of millions in private investment to truly transform Ithaca,” said Mayor Robert Cantelmo. “Thank you Governor Hochul for your leadership, commitment, and support at this critical moment and thank you to my colleagues on the Regional Economic Development Council for embracing our vision of Ithaca's future.”
Acting City Manager Dominick Recckio stated, “Kudos to the City staff, community partners, and project sponsors for developing a winning vision. Revitalizing this corridor is a project that will leave positive lasting impacts on Ithaca’s housing supply, business attraction and retention, tourism visitor experience, and arts and cultural institutions. This investment will prove transformative and I know I share the entire community’s excitement when I say I can’t wait for the projects to get started.”
With the award secured, the City will move into the next phase of the DRI process, working with New York State and local stakeholders to develop a Strategic Investment Plan that will guide project selection, design, and implementation. More information about the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and next steps will be shared as the process moves forward.
For more information about the DRI grant and next steps, please visit: https://www.cityofithacany.
For media inquiries, contact Alan Karasin, Public Information Officer and City Clerk, Department of Information and Community Engagement, at akarasin@cityofithaca.org or 607-274-6437.
About the City of Ithaca
Nestled in New York’s scenic Finger Lakes region, Ithaca is celebrated for its vibrant community, natural beauty, and innovative spirit. Home to world-class educational institutions, thriving local businesses, and diverse cultural amenities, Ithaca is committed to sustainability, inclusivity, and a high quality of life for all residents and visitors.
Learn more at: https://www.cityofithacany.gov
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Alan Karasin
Director, Department of Information & Community Engagement
Public Information Officer
City Clerk
City of Ithaca
Phone: 607-274-6437
Email: akarasin@cityofithaca.org
2nd Floor City Hall
108 Green Street, Ithaca, NY 14850-5690
