NY Forward Program
Help Shape the Next Chapter of Downtown Ballston Spa
The Village of Ballston Spa is preparing an application for NY Forward (NYF), a New York State program that provides $4.5 million in funding to help small and rural downtowns implement transformative projects.
This effort builds directly on Revitalize Ballston Spa, the Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) planning process the Village completed with the support of the NYS Department of State. That process identified a community vision, strategic redevelopment sites, and a roadmap of priority projects for the downtown. NY Forward is the next step: an opportunity to secure state funding to help implement some of the projects identified through that plan.
What is NY Forward?
NY Forward is administered by the NYS Department of State in coordination with Homes and Community Renewal, Empire State Development, and NYSERDA. It uses a “plan-then-act” strategy. Communities that are awarded funding work with the State and a consultant team to develop a Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) identifying a slate of projects, and the State then funds a subset of those projects for implementation.
Learn more on the NYS DOS NY Forward program page.
The NY Forward target area will be similar to, but not identical to, the Revitalize Ballston Spa BOA study area. The BOA plan covered a broader neighborhood-scale study area while the NY Forward boundary must be a smaller, compact, walkable downtown area. The Village has identified a preliminary target area that will be refined as part of the application and early planning process.
Preliminary NY Forward Project Area Map
Application Info
The Village’s application will draw on the vision, goals, and strategic sites already identified through the BOA planning process, along with new project ideas submitted through this outreach effort.
Projects submitted for consideration should:
Be located within (or adjacent to) the preliminary NY Forward target area (the target area will be refined based on the location of eligible projects).
Be high-impact and transformative for downtown Ballston Spa.
Align with the vision and goals established through the Revitalize Ballston Spa BOA plan.
Be capital in nature (construction, redevelopment, or public realm improvements).
Be ready to break ground within two years of receiving funding, recognizing that State funding would not be immediately available.
Have an identified project sponsor with the legal authority to carry out the project.
Demonstrate community support and public benefits, such as economic development, job creation, new attractions, historic preservation, housing creation, or public realm improvements.
Projects may be sponsored by public agencies, businesses, nonprofit organizations, or private property owners. Submitting a project idea does not guarantee it will be included in the final application or awarded funding. The Village and its consultant team will review all submissions for eligibility, readiness, and alignment with program goals before finalizing the slate recommended to the State.
Submit a Project Interest Form
The Village is currently accepting project ideas for potential inclusion in the NY Forward application, including from private property and business owners interested in redevelopment, building improvements, or new construction within the downtown.
Please complete the Project Interest Form and submit all required attachments (site photos, concept sketches, cost estimates, etc.) by email to:
Jamie Konkoski
LaBella Associates
jkonkoski@labellapc.com
Deadline: October 30, 2026
Project sponsors may be asked to provide additional information after submitting a form, such as refined cost estimates, site control documentation, concept plans, funding sources, and a Letter of Intent. A template for the Letter of Intent may be provided after the Village and LaBella review submitted project materials.
Question or a Project Idea?
Reach out to Jamie Konkoski, Senior Planner, LaBella Associates| jkonkoski@labellapc.com