New York Invests $100 Million in Statewide Community Centers

Every New Yorker deserves a place to connect and thrive. Governor Kathy Hochul's $100 million NY BRICKS program delivers on this vision, funding the creation and renovation of community centers across the state. These hubs will nurture physical health, mental well-being, and social bonds for children, older adults, and families. The initiative represents a commitment to building vibrant spaces where people can grow and heal together.

Launched through the FY 2026 Enacted Budget, NY BRICKS provides grants of up to $15 million to municipalities and nonprofits. These funds will support the design, construction, and modernization of centers offering affordable childcare, eldercare, and mental health services. By prioritizing underserved communities, the program addresses long-standing gaps in access to essential resources. The goal is clear: create opportunity and equity for those who need it most.

Why does this matter so much? Too many New Yorkers, particularly in low-income and rural areas, lack safe, welcoming spaces to gather and build healthier lives. Community centers fill that void, serving as anchors for stronger neighborhoods. Hochul's broader Unplug and Play initiative reinforces this by promoting real-world engagement over screen time, ensuring kids and families have places to flourish.

Today's children face unique pressures. Studies show that kids spending over two hours daily on screens experience weaker language skills, lower academic performance, and higher risks of depression and anxiety. A longitudinal UCSF study of 9- and 10-year-olds linked five to eight hours of noneducational screen time to noticeable mental health challenges. NY BRICKS tackles this crisis by funding community centers where kids can unplug, play actively, and build social skills. Hochul's Unplug and Play initiative, which includes NY BRICKS, allocates $100 million to create these vital spaces.

Older adults also stand to benefit profoundly. Since the 1965 Older Americans Act, planners have recognized the value of accessible spaces for aging populations. Programs like Clark County's Aging Readiness Plan demonstrate how tailored fitness and social activities reduce isolation and boost wellness. NY BRICKS follows this model, creating centers where seniors can stay active, connect with others, and access care. With New York's aging population expanding, these investments are critical to supporting dignity and independence.

Community centers have a proven impact. They offer kids safe environments to develop resilience and provide seniors with opportunities to maintain vitality. By serving both young and old, NY BRICKS fosters intergenerational connections that enrich entire communities.

NY BRICKS sets itself apart by focusing on underserved communities. This approach counters decades of neglect in low-income and rural areas, where access to health and social services often falls short. Federal efforts, such as the Biden-Harris Administration's $115 billion investment in infrastructure for marginalized regions, show that targeted funding can transform lives. NY BRICKS builds on this, ensuring that New York's most vulnerable residents gain access to life-changing resources.

Policymakers aligned with Project 2025 push a different path. Proposals like those in Project 2025 advocate for block-granting programs like Medicaid and imposing strict eligibility rules, prioritizing budget cuts over human well-being. Efforts by proponents of fiscal restraint to cap federal matching funds risk slashing resources for community services. These policies overlook the clear benefits of public investment: better health outcomes, reduced disparities, and economic growth. NY BRICKS places equity and impact first.

NY BRICKS is designed for impact. Its grants, ranging from $250,000 to $15 million, require a 20 percent local match to ensure community investment. The application process, open from July 14 to August 15, 2025, is accessible, with a webinar and question period to support applicants. This collaborative approach empowers local leaders to shape projects that reflect their communities' needs.

The program draws on a strong foundation. Since the 1970s, Community Development Block Grants have proven that local infrastructure investments drive equitable progress. Oregon's recent $14.3 million commitment to housing and health equity further shows the power of state-led action. NY BRICKS applies these lessons, creating spaces that promote wellness and connection across New York.

Skeptics may argue that such programs strain state budgets. Evidence from states like Illinois, where investments in community health yield cost savings through preventive care, demonstrates a different outcome. Why hesitate to invest in solutions that deliver measurable results?

NY BRICKS is a powerful commitment to New York's future. It invites us to envision communities where children play freely, seniors live with purpose, and families find the support they need. Under Hochul's leadership, alongside the Dormitory Authority and State Parks, this program shows what's possible when government prioritizes people.

The challenges we face, from screen addiction to social isolation to unequal access, demand action now. NY BRICKS offers a clear path, investing in our collective health and unity. Let's embrace this opportunity to create a New York where every community thrives, connected and strong.