Smart Growth Community Planning Grant Program

The Smart Growth Community Planning Grant Program is administered by the New York State Department of State through its Office of Planning, Development & Community Infrastructure. The program is funded through the Environmental Protection Fund and is designed to support municipalities and partner organizations in advancing comprehensive planning, zoning, and land use strategies aligned with smart growth principles. The initiative reflects statewide priorities including climate resilience, housing affordability, accessible and livable communities, waterfront revitalization, and expanded access to child care. The program also integrates the Child Care Friendly Zoning Initiative in collaboration with the Office of Children and Family Services, emphasizing planning approaches that consider the needs of families and children. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the preparation, update, and adoption of comprehensive plans, zoning regulations, and area-specific plans that guide sustainable community development. Eligible project types include municipal comprehensive plans, county-wide plans, zoning updates, zoning amendments, and targeted area plans such as downtown revitalization or transit-oriented development plans. These planning efforts must incorporate Smart Growth Principles, which emphasize mixed-use development, diverse housing, efficient land use, environmental protection, equitable access, and inclusive public engagement processes. Projects are expected to produce actionable frameworks that guide local decision-making and align with state policies. Funding for the program totals approximately $4.8 million, with a subset reserved for coastal or inland waterway communities. Applicants may request a minimum of $75,000, with no maximum cap specified. Awards are reimbursement-based and typically cover up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs. However, projects located in disadvantaged communities, areas with high housing cost burdens, or child care deserts may qualify for increased state assistance of up to 85 percent. Applicants are required to provide matching funds and must document the source and availability of these funds in their application. Eligible expenses include personnel, consultant services, project management, and related planning costs, while indirect or administrative overhead costs are generally ineligible. Eligible applicants include local governments such as towns, villages, cities, and counties, as well as regional planning entities and qualified nonprofit organizations acting on behalf of municipalities. Nonprofits must be pre-qualified in the New York Statewide Financial System and incorporated under New York law. Joint applications are permitted, provided that participating entities demonstrate consent and support through formal documentation. Applications must propose one eligible planning activity and comply with all Smart Growth Principles and program requirements. Applications must be submitted through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application portal. The submission deadline is July 31, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Questions regarding the program must be submitted in writing by June 19, 2026, with responses posted by July 10, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to review webinar materials and attend regional workshops to better understand program expectations. Required application components include a detailed project scope, budget justification, timeline, and demonstration of community need and readiness. Applications are evaluated based on several criteria, including demonstration of need, commitment to smart growth principles, public engagement strategies, integration of child care friendly zoning, organizational capacity, and budget clarity. Projects are scored and ranked, with funding awarded in order of merit until available funds are exhausted. Contracts are expected to have a performance period of up to three years, during which recipients must demonstrate satisfactory progress and comply with all reporting and procurement requirements. For additional information or clarification, applicants may contact the New York State Department of State via email at Smart.Growth@dos.ny.gov or opd@dos.ny.gov. Written correspondence may also be directed to the Office of Planning, Development & Community Infrastructure in Albany, New York. This program is part of an ongoing state effort to modernize local planning practices and promote resilient, equitable, and sustainable communities across New York State.

Align project strongly with Smart Growth Principles and clearly demonstrate community need and readiness; provide detailed and justified budget and strong public engagement strategy