WHITE PLAINS, NY (August 12, 2023) — Westchester County officials, along with the downtown experts from JGSC Group, created the unique Downtown Improvement Grant Pilot Program to provide select municipalities with economic development support that will stimulate revitalization of their downtown communities. As the next phase of the Westchester County Office of Economic Development’s Business FIRST Program, DIG represents a shift of focus from immediate recovery to long-term strategic community support.
The five communities chosen as inaugural DIG grantees include: Bedford, Dobbs Ferry, Mount Kisco, Pelham and Port Chester.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “The unique public-private approach and forward-thinking support that each of these communities will receive is what makes the DIG program so unique and important as we continue our next phase of long-term economic development strategy. Bedford, Dobbs Ferry, Mount Kisco, Pelham and Port Chester are vital parts of our community that I am proud to support through this innovative stimulation of their local economies that will leave them even more vibrant and self-reliant.”
Each of the selected communities will receive comprehensive market analysis, a custom-designed strategic economic growth plan, and six-months of hands-on technical support and assistance, and up to $250,000 support for implementation efforts.
Westchester County Director of Operations and Chairperson of the County of Westchester Industrial Development Agency Joan McDonald said: “Revitalization and growth are central to the work we do. While this grant was originally intended to support only four municipalities, I am proud to say we saw the need and opportunity to expand the DIG program to provide critical rebuilding support to five communities in total.”
Westchester County Director of Economic Development Bridget Gibbons said: “This is a major step forward in our ongoing Westchester County Business FIRST series of programs and initiatives that we began development on during the onset of the pandemic. We are pleased to offer this meaningful revitalization support to each of the beloved Westchester communities that were selected.”
Westchester County Director of Policy & Programs Small Business and Chambers of Commerce Shari Rosen Ascher said: “I am excited to begin the next stage of work with JGSC Group as we implement this Pilot DIG program. We’ve started a critical process that will help spark vibrancy at the local level, attract outside resources, support small businesses, inspire entrepreneurs and provide a sense of long-term direction that will benefit these communities for years to come and help them remain resilient into the future.”
In early 2023, the County invited communities to apply for this pilot grant by submitting applications. Eligible communities included those that do not receive direct CDBG funds nor have received a NY State Downtown Revitalization Initiative in the past. Currently, Westchester County has begun work with JGSC Group and the selected communities to kick-off the grant program. The analysis and strategic planning portion of the grant program will begin in the next few weeks and continue through the end of the year. For more information on the Westchester County Business FIRST Downtown Improvement Grant Program
Community Challenges Being Addressed
While all of the communities that applied to take part in the pilot DIG program share many things in common, such as an active economic development program, supporting budgets and staff, the communities also face unique challenges. The issue areas brought up by the five selected grant recipients range from: reducing vacancy rates, increasing foot traffic, attracting new businesses, retention of current businesses, enhancing the community experience, addressing parking issues, investing in the area’s visual appeal, and more.
About Westchester County Business FIRST
Westchester County Business FIRST: Financial Investments for Recovery and a Sustainable Tomorrow is a Grant Program designed to offer immediate financial relief to small businesses and nonprofits in Westchester County that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
