Mayor Galime Announces $4.5 million for Uptown Neighborhood Through NY Forward

For Immediate Release: April 9th, 2026

UTICA, NY — Mayor Michael Galime is pleased to release the current details of the $4.5 million in funding for the Uptown District in South Utica through the Department of State’s New York Forward program. The award is a culmination of months of outreach and public engagement, including an online survey, in-person public meetings, and one-on-one discussions with stakeholders in the target area.

The final application was presented by the Mayor to members of the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council (MVREDC) and NYS Department of State (DOS) on December 16, 2025 at Herkimer College. As part of that effort representatives of Uptown Theater for Creative Arts (UTCA) were asked and successfully advocated for their anchor component of our application. 

A copy of the complete application can be found on the homepage of the City’s website, or by clicking this link:

https://www.cityofutica.com/Assets/Departments/Urban-and-Economic-Development/Grants/NY_Forward_App_w_LOS.PDF.

The award will be implemented by the Mayor, the Department of Urban and Economic Development, the Department of State, and assigned consultant. Next steps include:

·         Kick-off meeting with the Department of State representatives, including walking the target area and conducting additional stakeholder engagement.

·         Forming the Local Planning Committee, or “LPC”, made up of 10-15 individuals from the target area consisting of residents, business owners and property owners. It will be staffed by City and State Officials as well as a representative from the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council. All Local Planning Committee Meetings are open to the public.

·         Issuing an open call for projects.

The New York Forward program is intended to invigorate and enliven smaller downtowns and neighborhood-scale municipal centers with eligible project types including but not limited to: Mixed Use Development, Public Space Improvements, Historic Preservation, Small Business Support, Infrastructure and Mobility.

Mayor Galime stated, “South Utica has always been a second downtown, rich in character, opportunity and potential. This recognition affirms a vision years in the making, where both community members, local businesses and the City will come together to transform the uptown district into a vibrant, mixed use neighborhood that reflects the very best of our City's future.”

For any inquires about these projects prior to reaching out to your representatives, please contact Chris Lawrence or Laura Cohen at the Department of Urban and Economic Development: clawrence@cityofutica.com, lcohen@cityofutica.com, or 315-792-0181.