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State economic development officers brief Madison County on Consolidated Funding Application and pro-housing financing
Summary
Empire State Development staff outlined the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) process (deadline July 31 for some programs), regional capital and pro-housing funding streams, and eligibility requirements such as pro-housing community certification and minimum request sizes for certain grants.
Representatives from Empire State Development's Central New York office briefed the Madison County Board on state funding opportunities administered through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), including timing, program types, and municipal eligibility requirements.
Melissa Davis and Zach Becker outlined the CFA process, stressing that some programs close on July 31 at 4 p.m. and that applicants should submit earlier to avoid portal shutdowns. They described two programs of particular interest to municipalities:
- Regional council capital fund: A flexible capital program for municipalities, nonprofits and businesses. Minimum request is $100,000 for standard capital projects and there are customary caps (commonly 20% of project costs, with exceptions up to 40% for strategic initiatives). ESD disburses funds in arrears and requires milestones and a cash equity match (10% was noted).
- Pro-housing supply funds: A statewide $100 million fund (as described by presenters) that can support infrastructure to enable housing development. The program can fund up to 50% of infrastructure costs for projects that will enable at least 20 housing units. The minimum award was described as $2,500,000; applicants must be "pro-housing certified communities" to be eligible.
Why it matters: The CFA and regional funding streams can provide municipalities with capital and infrastructure support to advance housing, broadband and other community development projects. ESD and partners (Department of State, NYSERDA, Canal Corporation, etc.) participate in the consolidated process.
Key presentation takeaways - Deadlines: Some CFA programs have hard deadlines (notably July 31 at 4 p.m. for some ESD programs); other programs accept applications on a rolling/open basis until funds are exhausted. - Certification requirement: Certain funds (including the pro-housing supply fund) require municipalities to be designated as pro-housing communities; presenters encouraged municipalities that have not yet certified to consider doing so. - Project types: The pro-housing fund is aimed at infrastructure that enables housing (roads, sewer, water, broadband, electrical) rather than direct funding for building construction; ESD emphasized large-impact projects and minimum award sizes. - Financing note: ESD funds are disbursed in arrears; applicants must plan interim financing accordingly.
Follow-up and assistance - Davis and Becker offered to provide the slideshow and additional links and to meet with municipal staff after the meeting for application support and questions.
Ending: The presentation was informational; no county action was taken at the meeting. Presenters urged municipalities and county staff to review program guidance and to consider certification where applicable to access available funding.
