Regional Programs

The Division of Local Government Services supports multiple regional programs that support local planning and economic development initiatives.

Overview

The NYS Department of State Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) administers several regional programs. Two of these, the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) are multi-state grant programs focused on economic development. A third regional program administered by DLGS assists NYC Watershed communities with planning initiatives and economic development opportunities.

Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC)

NBRC is a federal-state partnership focused on economic development and infrastructure improvements across northern New York and New England (Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont). The NBRC provides federal grant funding to stimulate job creation, upgrade public infrastructure, support business growth, and strengthen communities in economically distressed counties.

Learn More About the NBRC in New York

Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)

The ARC is a federal-state partnership focused on economic development and community improvement across the 13-state Appalachian region, spanning from Mississippi to New York. ARC invests in public infrastructure, workforce training, business development, and leadership capacity to foster self-sustaining economic growth and improve the quality of life for Appalachian residents.

Learn More About the ARC in New York

New York City Watershed Program

The New York State Department of State (NYS DOS) plays a supportive, planning focused, and collaborative role in the protection and management of the New York City (NYC) watershed. While direct environmental regulation and public health oversight of the watershed are primarily the responsibilities of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the NYS Department of Health (DOH), NYS DOS serves as a vital bridge between state environmental mandates and the local governments within the watershed region (primarily in the Catskill/Delaware and Croton systems).

NYC Watershed Program