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Hochul Initiates 2026 REDC Grant Applications
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of the 2026 Regional Economic Development Council Initiative (REDC).
The REDC initiative has been the cornerstone of a bottom-up approach to economic development that allows the State’s ten Regional Councils to support projects that advance strategic regional and statewide priorities. In 2026, eligible REDCs will compete for funding through the $150 million ACHIEVE competition to support high-impact regional projects to advance regional goals. Up to $60 million in Regional Council Capital Funds will be made available in the 2026 Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) in addition to funding from more than 20 programs to facilitate projects that advance each region’s strategic plan and state priorities.
“The dedicated work of the Regional Economic Development Councils, focused on encouraging public-private partnerships, has had a transformational impact throughout New York State,” Hochul said. “I am looking forward to seeing the regionally designed plans that build on the success of the ACHIEVE competition, creating investment opportunities that will help to build a more sustainable, successful future for all New Yorkers.”
Launched in 2025 was the Governor’s $150 million Advancing Collaboration for High-impact Initiatives for Economic Visions & Expansion competition — ACHIEVE — aimed at empowering the REDCs to advance catalytic economic development projects backed by enhanced implementation funding to jump-start regional growth. The ACHIEVE competition invites each eligible REDC to develop a high-impact regional initiative, with the strongest proposals receiving up to $50 million in funding to advance anchor projects. REDCs can also choose to partner on a joint multi-regional proposal for up to $75 million in funding. Regions will collaborate with regional stakeholders to develop an actionable implementation plan featuring high-impact, shovel-ready projects and regional partnerships to guide their proposal. The regions awarded in 2025 included Long Island, New York City, Mohawk Valley and the Southern Tier. These regions will work to implement their ACHIEVE proposal and not be eligible to compete in 2026.
Consolidated Funding Application
The CFA portal is open for the 2026 programs. For programs subject to the deadline, applications must be submitted by Friday, July 31 at 4 p.m. Open enrollment programs are not subject to the July 31 deadline and will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until funds are exhausted. The 2026 REDC Guidebook, the 2026 Resources Available, and other key documents are available here.
The Regional Councils will score projects submitted through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), the State’s streamlined application for State resources which includes programs from numerous agencies. This year, the CFA includes grant funds and tax credits available through more than 20 programs administered by eight State agencies and authorities. Regional Councils will review projects and provide scores that reflect how well a project aligns with a region’s goals and strategies.
CFA Workshops will be held throughout the State for applicants to attend and learn about programs offered through the REDC initiative and other State programs. A full schedule of workshops can be found here.
The REDC process continues to support and empower regional stakeholders in developing strategic plans and funding priorities that meet local economic needs. To date, through the REDC Initiative, more than $9 billion has been awarded to more than 11,000 job creation and community development projects consistent with each region’s strategic plan.
The 10 REDCs are guided by their regional strategic economic development plans, which emphasize each region’s unique assets and provide strategies to harness local resources to stimulate regional growth and create jobs statewide. In 2026, each Regional Council will be tasked with creating an annual report that highlights the state of their respective region, summarizes how they are implementing the council’s strategic plans, and present their ACHIEVE initiative proposal or implementation update.
Rockland Paramedic Recognized for Commitment to Quality Care for Heart Attacks and Strokes
Rockland Paramedic Services (RPS) received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Bronze achievement award for its commitment to rapid and research-based care to people experiencing the most severe form of heart attacks and strokes, ultimately saving lives.
The Mission: Lifeline EMS achievement award focuses on agencies’ on-scene care, bringing to the forefront the collaboration and contributions to patient care for prehospital providers.
Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment when they arrive, up to an hour sooner than if someone goes to the hospital by car. EMS staff are also trained to provide resuscitation efforts to someone whose heart has stopped. People who arrive by ambulance may also receive faster treatment at the hospital.
“Rockland Paramedic Services is honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our dedication to providing optimal care for heart attack patients,” said Executive Director, Tim Egan. “The Mission: Lifeline program puts proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, so patients have the best possible chance of survival.”
Mission: Lifeline EMS® is the American Heart Association’s national initiative to advance the system of care for patients with high-risk, time-sensitive disease states, such as severe heart attacks and strokes. The program helps reduce barriers to prompt treatment, starting from when 911 is called, to EMS transport and continuing through hospital treatment and discharge. Optimal care for heart attack and stroke patients takes coordination between the individual prehospital providers and health care systems.
“Arguably the most important link in the chains of survival for acute stroke and cardiovascular emergencies is emergency medical services and prehospital professionals,” said Kacey Kronenfeld, M.D., FAEMS, chair of the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS Taskforce. “Early condition identification, stabilization and prehospital interventions, and initiation of actions within the regional systems of care provide patients with the best chance for receiving expedient definitive therapies leading to optimal outcomes and maximized quality of life.
“The American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline EMS awards are an important way to recognize the crucial roles and performances of EMS personnel in stroke and cardiac patients’ care.”
Orange & Rockland Investing $315 Million for Summer-Ready Preparations
As part of its annual preparations for summer months, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R) is investing $315 million into its energy system to ensure reliable and resilient service for customers with higher temperatures and potentially severe weather events on the horizon.
This year’s preparations expand on the work of summer 2025, when O&R invested $293 million into its infrastructure, further hardening systems across the service territory, and bringing even more dependable service to customers.
O&R has invested more than $2 billion into the grid since 2016, reducing the number of customers impacted per service interruption by 15 percent.
Over the last two years, O&R has responded to more than 30 storms and heat events. Extreme weather continues to place a strain on infrastructure across all seasons, requiring a grid that can withstand higher temperatures and more frequent storms. This summer’s investments reinforce O&R’s ongoing commitment to building tomorrow’s energy grid today—one that will power New York’s energy transition while maintaining the reliability our customers expect.
“Orange & Rockland powers the life of the Hudson Valley, serving nearly one million people across homes, businesses, hospitals, and schools,” said Michele O’Connell, O&R president and CEO. “The energy needs of our customers are changing rapidly, especially as demand continues to rise as summers grow hotter. O&R is proud of our record investments, allowing us to modernize our system to deliver cleaner energy, greater resilience, and reliable service—today and for decades to come.”
Electric Infrastructure Investments
- Orangeburg – A $24 million initiative which replaced two transformers at the Corporate Drive substation allowing the company to meet the growing electric demand in the area.
- Monsey – A $4.8 million project that upgraded a transformer at the Monsey substation to meet expanding load growth and enhance reliability.
- Clarkstown – A $57.8 million project to install new underground transmission lines, spanning 5.7 miles from the Burns substation to the West Nyack substation, is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in early 2027.
