Mayor Michael Tooley said the city’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative local planning committee held its first meeting July 29, followed by a public workshop the next morning where residents could meet with DRI consultants and discuss the program.

Applications for DRI funding are due Sept. 8. Tooley said applicants seeking funding for projects within the program’s geographic area can find the application through the DRI section of the city’s website. Those needing assistance can contact Katie Sovie, the city’s economic development program manager.

The local planning committee will meet monthly through November and will review submitted applications beginning in September. The committee is expected to recommend projects totaling between $13 million and $15 million to New York state, which will make the final decisions on funding.

Tooley encouraged residents to learn more about the DRI and submit ideas through the survey and community feedback form on the city’s website. 

The next local planning committee meeting is scheduled for Aug. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon at the DRI Center.

The Ogdensburg DRI process provides an opportunity to identify projects and strategies that support downtown revitalization, strengthen the local economy, improve quality of life, and build on the city’s existing assets.