SYRneighborhoods

Block Challenge Program

The Neighborhood Block Challenge Program (BCP) provides matching grants to teams of neighbors who complete exterior home improvement projects that increase the curb appeal of their homes. Households are eligible for a 50% match up to $2,500 per participant for exterior projects such as façade improvements, structural improvements, and landscaping. The program brings neighbors together to build community identity and sense of pride, while improving the physical appearance of Syracuse neighborhoods and establishing momentum to support larger and more impactful property improvements.

Learn More about the Block Challenge Program

Homeowner Renovation Program

The Homeowner Renovation Program (HRP) provides grants to homeowners who complete interior and exterior improvement projects that increase the value and functionality of their homes. Households are eligible for reimbursements for interior and exterior projects such as kitchen renovations, bedroom/bathroom reconfigurations, roofing, siding, etc. This program aims to help retain homeownership, build wealth, and improve the quality, accessibility, and appeal of housing in Syracuse neighborhoods.

Homeowners are eligible for a 40% - 60% reimbursement of their project cost, up to $90,000 depending on the household's size and annual income.

Learn More about the Homeowner Renovation Program

Housing Study

In 2023 the City of Syracuse completed the Syracuse Housing Study, a comprehensive analysis of the city's housing market. The report guided the development of housing strategies and led to the launch of the Syracuse Housing Strategy in January 2024, a multi-year framework for improving housing conditions in the city of Syracuse. This was followed by a robust series of neighborhood steering committee meetings to identify resident priorities around neighborhood investment and growth.

Housing Strategy

Later in 2024, the City of Syracuse formed the Syracuse Housing Strategies Corporation to enable a protected, flexible source of capital to create and preserve safe, affordable, and attractive housing opportunities for current and future residents. Launched in the summer of 2025, SYRneighborhoods and the Neighborhood Block Challenge Program are an outcome of these efforts.

Read more about the Housing Study and Strategy here.