NORWICH - During the April Board of Supervisors meeting, a Pro-Housing initiative was presented giving supportive information and steps required for the housing certification process.

Commerce Chenango Director of Economic Development Tyler Oliver, presented the pro-housing initiative designed to recognize and reward municipalities that are actively working to expand housing access, affordability and equity.

“Since it's 2023 launch, 287 communities across the state have already been certified,” said Oliver. “Together, they now receive a combined $650 million in discretionary funding every single year.”

“Here in Chenango County, we’re already on the map,” he continued. “The Villages of Oxford and Earlville have both achieved certification.”

“And I’m happy to report that the City of Norwich, the Town of Norwich, the Village of Bainbridge, and the Town of Smithville have all submitted letters of intent to join the program,” Oliver said.

“This means that your municipality has made a clear commitment to increasing the supply of housing, especially affordable housing options,” he said. “It means you’re building for the future, creating opportunities, and investing in a stronger community.”

He noted the rewards are real and said certified communities receive priority access to competitive state funding that includes major grant programs like NY Forward, the New York Main Street Program, Market New York, and the Regional Council Capital Fund.

Oliver mentioned most grants have different parameters and require a match of some kind, some 50%, some 10% and most are reimbursable.