The Upstate Revitalization Initiative is also known as the "Upstate Hunger Games." $1.5 billion in available funding is certainly an attention grabber.
Jimmy Vielkind reports: "The Southern Tier, the Finger Lakes and Central New York will each receive $500 million in economic development subsidies over the next five years, state officials announced Thursday."
The $1.5 billion follows $750 million that has flowed through regional economic development councils (REDCs) in New York since 2011. "The extra $1.5 billion — from a competition formally called the Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI) but widely nicknamed the upstate 'Hunger Games' — was drawn from a one-time windfall from settlements with major financial firms," according to Vielkind.
The awards followed a process in which eligible upstate regions (i.e., "the Southern Tier, Hudson Valley, Capital Region, North Country, Central New York, Mohawk Valley and Finger Lakes") competed for the funding. The article includes more details about both the REDC funding and the URI awardees.
FULL STORY: Finger Lakes, Central N.Y., Southern Tier split $1.5B economic development subsidy

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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