Welcome to Urban & Economic Development

The Department of Urban & Economic Development is dedicated to the continued and sustained betterment of our community through the fostering of the entrepreneurial spirit of our residents and business community; the Department also aims to strategically guide development of our diverse people and places in a manner that preserves our valuable natural resources and historic assets.

To fulfill this broad mission, the Department of Urban & Economic Development is comprised of staff that focuses on planning and zoning, economic development and community development.

Whether you’re erecting a fence or a factory, our planning/zoning staff can provide information regarding zoning regulations, planning protocol, and the permitting process and requirements.

Our economic development staff is focused on nurturing an environment throughout the City that creates economic opportunity for new investment while at the same time preserves and grows existing businesses. A number of investment tools are administered by this staff and made available to business owners and developers, including our Economic Reinvestment Program, benefits available through the Utica Industrial Development Agency and our Façade Improvement Loan Program, to name just a few.

The community development staff is responsible for overseeing state and federal grants intended to improve the quality of life for the City’s residents and businesses. Our Department administers the federal entitlement Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) and HOME Investment Partnership Grant (HOME) received by the City of Utica each year.

CDBG funds help to provide decent housing and a suitable living environment, as well as expand economic opportunities for low and moderate income individuals and families. The ESG Program assists homeless persons with basic shelter and essential supportive services. ESG also provides rapid re-housing for those who have recently become homeless. The HOME Program helps to expand the supply of decent, affordable housing for low and very low-income families. The Department works with various community partners, providing these critical funds to these agencies and organizations to support their efforts in these areas.