New York State has opened applications for a $100 million Pro-Housing Supply Fund aimed at tackling the statewide housing crisis by financing key infrastructure upgrades in communities certified as “Pro-Housing.” The program is part of the 2025 Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative and seeks to remove a major barrier to new housing development: outdated infrastructure.
Communities can apply for grants ranging from $2.5 million to $10 million to support projects such as sewer, water, road, and electrical upgrades that directly enable housing growth. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on July 31, 2025.
Supporting infrastructure to expand housing access
Many localities across New York face housing shortages due to limited infrastructure capacity. The Pro-Housing Supply Fund will support projects that:
- Install or upgrade utilities such as water, sewer, and electricity
- Cover design, engineering, and permitting costs (up to 20% of total project cost)
- Acquire equipment and machinery for infrastructure operations
- Prepare sites and demolish structures when tied to housing development
These improvements are designed to unlock housing potential, attract private investment, and revitalize communities.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Cities, towns, and villages certified as Pro-Housing Communities
- County or municipal economic development organizations located in certified communities
Applications must be submitted through New York’s Consolidated Funding Application portal and will be evaluated on criteria including housing units supported, project readiness, local government support, and alignment with Smart Growth principles.
Part of a broader housing strategy
The new fund is one of several measures in the state’s FY26 budget, which allocates over $1.5 billion in new housing investments. In addition, the state is offering $5.25 million in technical assistance grants to help communities adopt pro-housing policies such as zoning updates and expedited permitting.
More than 300 municipalities have been certified as Pro-Housing Communities since the program launched under Executive Order 30 in 2023. That designation is now a requirement to access up to $650 million in discretionary state funding.
Leaders emphasize urgency of housing crisis
State officials highlighted the importance of linking infrastructure investment to housing supply.
“New York has a housing affordability crisis — and the only way to solve it is to build more housing,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “This fund will help communities modernize critical infrastructure so that neighborhoods across the state can grow and thrive.”
Empire State Development CEO Hope Knight called the fund “instrumental in accelerating the construction of much-needed residential units.” New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley noted that housing is central to economic development and affordability goals.
What happens next?
Communities interested in applying should begin preparing their proposals immediately, given the July 31 deadline. The fund is expected to spur faster housing development and bring long-term affordability benefits across urban, suburban, and rural areas of New York.
For application materials and program guidelines, visit regionalcouncils.ny.gov.