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Rochester, NY — January 20, 2026 — Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled her proposed 2027 state budget on January 20, 2026, which includes a $300 million allocation specifically for Monroe County and the City of Rochester. The investment represents significant state commitment to regional economic development and infrastructure projects.
The $300 million Rochester/Monroe County investment comprises two major components:
According to News10NBC's reporting on January 20, 2026, the overall 2027 state budget totals more than $260 billion, representing an increase of nearly $2 billion from the previous year's budget.
The $225 million Rochester-Monroe Transformation Initiative represents the largest component of the regional investment. According to a joint statement by Rochester Mayor Malik Evans and Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, the funds will:
As of late January 2026, specific projects included in the Transformation Initiative were still being finalized. Mayor Evans and County Executive Bello indicated they are working with state agencies to identify priority projects that align with regional economic development goals.
The $75 million allocation for High Falls State Park supports ongoing renovation and development of this 40-acre regional park project. Previous announcements from Governor Hochul have indicated the state's commitment to beginning major construction work on the High Falls State Park facility, which has been in planning phases for several years.
Governor Hochul emphasized the significance of the budget during her January announcement, stating: "A budget is much more than figures on a page. It's a statement of priorities, a test of discipline, and this year with so much uncertainty coming out of Washington, it must be a plan that can hold up to pressure."
The Rochester/Monroe County investment reflects the state's focus on regional economic development outside New York City and addresses ongoing efforts to strengthen upstate New York's competitiveness in attracting and retaining businesses.
The broader 2027 state budget also includes significant public safety investments across New York, including:
The budget proposal has drawn mixed reactions from state leadership. Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt criticized the $260 billion budget plan, arguing: "Instead of offering a fiscally responsible budget to provide relief to New Yorkers struggling with an affordability crisis, the bloated $260 billion plan is a continuation of the policies that have made New York the most unaffordable state in the nation."
The budget now moves into the legislative process, where lawmakers will review, negotiate, and potentially modify proposals before final passage.
The $300 million Rochester/Monroe County investment comes at a significant time for the region. Recent project announcements including the $390 million Reju textile regeneration hub at Eastman Business Park and Sydor Optics' 100,000-square-foot facility expansion signal renewed momentum in regional manufacturing and advanced technology sectors.
State funding support through the budget allocation can complement private sector investments and provide resources for critical infrastructure, workforce development, and economic development initiatives that position Rochester competitively for future growth.
Industry Insight: Westside Construction Group specializes in large-scale infrastructure and commercial projects across Upstate New York with 30+ years of experience. For consultation on development projects: (585) 440-0304 or www.buildwcg.com
For more on Rochester development, see our coverage of Reju's $390M textile hub and Sydor Optics' facility expansion.
Rochester optics manufacturer Sydor acquires Vertex Optics, doubles capacity with 100,000-sq-ft facility expansion. New plant opens summer 2027, construction begins spring 2026. First acquisition in company history.
French company Reju launches $390M textile-to-textile regeneration hub at Eastman Business Park in Rochester. 145,000-sq-ft facility will recycle 300M clothing items annually, creating 70 jobs.
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