The revitalization of communities is vital to the overall quality of life of the entire Hudson Valley. A key element to successful community development is growing and building local leaders and strong advocates to establish a clear vision to effectuate positive change in the community.

The Community Builders Program provides participants with the tools and support they need to take community development projects to the next level. The Program provides participants with educational resources and training to research local issues, evaluate project benchmarks, identify potential sources of funding, and achieve specific project goals.

Learn more about Community Builders!

Watch this virtual information session to learn more about Pattern’s Community Builders Program. Explore this year’s program and topics, learn about past projects, and ask questions to see if this program is right for YOUR project. Watch now!

Community Builder sessions will cover topics including:

  • Using data to support your project
  • Designing and refining the scope of your project
  • Mission and vision statements
  • Overcoming impediments
  • Project management
  • Budgeting and grant writing
  • Working with local leadership
  • Creating collaborative partnerships within the community

Participants with an identified project are invited to apply. Be a part of a program that advances of community-based projects, builds a local network of leaders, and inspires positive neighborhood change!

Thank you to our Community Builders Sponsors:

PAST PROJECTS

A LOOK BACK AT THE COMMUNITY BUILDERS PROGRAM PROJECTS

2021

Better Building Blox  •  Goshen Green Farm    Hudson Valley Tech Center  •  North Street Commons  •  O&W Train Station  •  Parksville Priorities • Partnered for Success • Red Hook Reimagines • Regenerative Real Estate

2017

FCA Home Homeownership Orange County Rural Development Advisory Corporation – Home Ownership Rehab Garner Arts Center & Garnerville Historic District Nubian Directions

2016

Middletown – Downtown Revitalization Initiative Newburgh Superfund Site Mt. Beacon Incline Railway RECAP / Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Outdoor Recreation Venues City of New Rochelle – Arts District City of Yonkers – Mural District Ritz Theater Revitalization

Garner Arts Center

& the Garnerville Historic District

Garnerville, New York

The goal for the Garnerville Arts Center and Historic District during the Community Builders Program was to advance the site as a complex for tourism, arts and culture, and develop the pathway for moving the site forward.

How Community Builders helped advance the project: Goals, plans and steps for the project were more articulated and a charrette was planned. The Garnerville site has since seen the completion of a strategic plan, and invited in many diverse new tenants like the Hudson’s Mill Tavern, a gym, a coffee roaster, among others.

The Ritz Theater Revitalization

Newburgh, New York

At the beginning of the Community Builder program, Lisa Silverstone had submitted a second CFA application, which the project was later awarded. The goal for the project during Community Builders to develop the next steps for the project, and build community buy-in.

How Community Builders helped advance the project: Pattern for Progress served as a resource helping with practical things including crafting a budget and informing the grant application process. The Ritz Theater has since been awarded three CFAs and is in the schematic design phase.

Middletown Downtown

Revitalization Initiative

Middletown, New York

Entering the Community Builders Program, the focus was on the revitalization of the Woolworth Building in Middletown with the goal of learning about funding sources and figuring out how this project could tie into the heritage trail.

How Community Builders helped advance the project: The Woolworth building eventually became part of their Downtown Revitalization Initiative, which was successfully funded. The building has been completely rehabbed, shops are settling into the space. The building will eventually feature the rail trail running through it.

In 2016 Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress started the Community Builders Program.  The program was an instant success and Planning Magazine wrote an article highlighting the program and the projects that the participants were working on.