Clinton - Kirkland
Downtown Revitalization Initiative
What is the DRI?
New York State's Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) helps transform downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers that offer a high quality of life. Communities are selected annually by their respective Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) through a competitive application process. Previous winners for the Mohawk Valley Region are Oneonta, Rome, Amsterdam, Utica, and Gloversville.
Clinton and Kirkland were announced as a Round Six DRI awardee for the Mohawk Valley Region in March of 2023 and have received a $10 million grant from New York State Governor Kathy Hochul to develop a Strategic Investment Plan and implement catalytic projects that advance the community’s vision for revitalization. The effort will be led by a Local Planning Committee (LPC) composed of municipal representatives, community leaders, and other stakeholders and guided by regular input from the public. The LPC will be supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners.
The DRI is led by the Department of State, in close partnership with Empire State Development, NYS Homes and Community Renewal and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
Clinton-Kirkland DRI Vision
"Anything is possible when we work together as a community OF Everyone FOR Everyone.”
The Clinton-Kirkland DRI kickstarts economic investment that sustains and enhances our vibrant downtown businesses and nonprofits on historic Park Row, around our well-loved Village Green, and in creative and flexible new spaces reaching into the Town of Kirkland. Our authentic charm draws visitors and attracts innovators from diverse backgrounds, creating well-paying jobs in a thriving economic center. Our community offers first-rate schools; a leading liberal arts college; an active arts, culture, recreation, and entertainment hub; as well as housing that all generations of residents can grow into and afford. We focus on wellness for everyone, providing inviting public places in a fully connected and walkable Town and Village with modern amenities. Through the DRI, Clinton and Kirkland enhance our position as a unique centerpiece of the Mohawk Valley, surrounded by nature, connected with trails, resilient, tranquil, and beautiful.
Clinton-Kirkland DRI Goals
GOAL 1- ECONOMIC ENHANCEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
Advance economic initiatives to create jobs, foster innovation, and support new and existing family-owned businesses through new buildings and reuse of existing sites.
GOAL 2 - QUALITY OF PLACE AND HISTORIC STREETSCAPE
Enhance the pedestrian-oriented and vibrant streetscapes while preserving the historic character in unique public spaces like the Village Green and in new public gathering spots.
GOAL 3 - COMMUNITY WELLNESS, RECREATION, AND QUALITY OF LIFE
Advance wellness and quality of life by increasing opportunities for recreation, healthy lifestyles, and tourism.
GOAL 4 - CULTURAL COMMUNITY
Transform our community culture (arts, entertainment, education, sports) through enhancing our public/private spaces with events and public art.
GOAL 5 - HOUSING CHOICE AND AFFORDABILITY
Support affordable housing choices for all families at various life stages through the development, rehabilitation, and/or adaptive reuse of new and existing properties.
GOAL 6 - MODERN INFRASTRUCTURE, MOBILITY, AND CONNECTIVITY
Provide modern, sustainable, and climate-resilient structures and practices that increase mobility and make downtown more livable, safe, connected, green, and accessible.