City of Rensselaer Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Announces Open Call for Projects and First Public Workshop for July 21st, at Rensselaer City Hall Court Room
City of Rensselaer Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Announces Open Call for Projects and First Public Workshop for July 21st, at Rensselaer City Hall Court Room.
Rensselaer, NY, July 10, 2026 – The Rensselaer Downtown Revitalization Initiative Local Planning Committee is pleased to announce the launch of the Open Call for Projects. Beginning July 17, 2026, interested project sponsors will have approximately six weeks to submit project proposals that reflect the DRI’s vision and goals for downtown and contribute to the long-term economic growth, livability, and vitality of the City of Rensselaer. Additionally, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, municipal representatives and the consultant team members, led by LaBella Associates, will host an Open House Informational Session from 3:00 pm-5:00 pm, followed by the first Public Workshop from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm, at the Rensselaer City Hall Court Room for interested project sponsors.
As part of the Open Call process, interested applicants will be asked to submit an Initial Interest Form to indicate their intent to apply by Friday, August 21st. This will allow the consultant team to connect with project sponsors early in the process, answer questions, provide technical assistance, and support the development of strong project proposals.
The Open Call for Projects will remain open through September 4, 2026. Both Initial Interest Forms and Open Call submission forms will be available online, translated in 3 languages, at www.rensselaerdri.com and may also be collected and submitted in person to:
Thomas Hulihan
Director of Planning and Development, 2ND Floor
62 Washington St, Rensselaer, NY, 12144
The Open House Informational Session will provide an opportunity for participants to learn more about the DRI program, ask questions about the project application process, and discuss project concepts with the planning team. Additionally, a recorded Open Call Informational Presentation will be posted online at www.rensselaerdri.com.
The first Public Workshop will introduce participants to the Downtown Revitalization Initiative planning process and provide an opportunity to help shape the vision, goals, and priorities that will guide future investments in the downtown area. Community members, business owners, residents, property owners, and stakeholders are encouraged to attend and share their ideas and aspirations for the future of downtown Rensselaer.
Community participation is essential to the success of the DRI process, and all interested individuals are encouraged to attend the workshop and stay engaged throughout the planning process.
For more information, visit the project website www.rensselaerdri.com or please contact a member of the Rensselaer DRI planning consultant team:
Mirren Galway , LaBella Associates
[email protected] | (518) 824-1930
About the Rensselaer Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI): The Rensselaer DRI is a community-driven initiative aimed at transforming the City of Rensselaer’s downtown and waterfront area. Led by the New York State Department of State, with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the DRI program transforms downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers that offer a high quality of life and are magnets for redevelopment, business, job creation, and economic and housing diversity.