Governor Hochul Announces Additional $10 Million for East Side Building Fund in Buffalo

Additional Funding Will Drive Commercial Corridor Revitalization, Historic Building Stabilization and Infill Development

New Funding Round Expected To Launch in the Coming Months

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced an additional $10 million in funding for the East Side Building Fund in Buffalo. This pivotal investment will accelerate private building renovations, historic building stabilization and infill development, continuing the state's multi-year effort to foster thriving, sustainable economic hubs across Buffalo's East Side. Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes served as a vital partner in securing this funding. The new $10 million funding round is expected to launch in the coming months.

"This fund is about community-led revitalization, from breathing new life into historic storefronts to transforming our commercial corridors," Governor Hochul said. "With this additional $10 million, we are building on Buffalo's momentum - turning vacant spaces into vibrant community spaces and ensuring families and business owners share in our city's success. I also want to extend my deepest thanks to Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes for her unwavering partnership on this initiative and honor her incredible, transformative legacy as she prepares to retire from the Assembly. Her fierce advocacy has shaped Buffalo for generations to come."

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, "The success of commercial corridors in other parts of the City of Buffalo can and should happen on our east side. The East Side Building Fund is helping to revitalize these corridors so that their potential can be realized. I have been a strong supporter of this fund and see the value in continuing to invest in our east side neighborhoods."

First launched by Governor Hochul in May 2025, the East Side Building Fund emerged from a collaborative initiative uniting Empire State Development (ESD), philanthropic partners and local community leaders. To date, ESD has processed 300 East Side Building Fund applications, advanced 50 finalists and awarded $10 million to 35 commercial and mixed-use projects through key commercial corridors on Buffalo's East Side.

Eligible projects must involve commercial or mixed-use properties - such as storefront buildings featuring ground-level retail with residential units above - located on Buffalo's East Side. Preference is given to projects within or adjacent to priority business districts, including Jefferson Avenue, Fillmore Avenue, Michigan Avenue, Genesee Street and Bailey Avenue.

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, "This additional $10 million for Buffalo's East Side Building Fund will expand our impact, providing the capital and technical support needed to transform commercial corridors and promote long-term economic growth. We are grateful to Governor Hochul and Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes for their continued commitment to community-driven revitalization."

Read the full press release here.