Lyons Certified as NYS Pro-Housing Community, Gains Access to Funding

With its new certification, Lyons will be eligible for state resources designed to encourage housing development and affordability initiatives.

The Town of Lyons has been officially certified as a Pro-Housing Community by New York State, a designation that could open the door to additional funding opportunities aimed at addressing housing affordability and development.

The certification, granted by the state's Division of Housing and Community Renewal (HCR), allows Lyons to apply for various discretionary funding programs, with up to $650 million available statewide. The recognition comes as part of the state's efforts to tackle the ongoing housing shortage affecting communities across New York.

According to the HCR, rents in the state have increased by 40 to 60 percent since 2015, while home prices have surged between 50 and 80 percent. More than half of New York renters are considered rent-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs.

State officials emphasized that the Pro-Housing Communities Program aims to promote equitable access to affordable housing, ensuring that municipalities like Lyons can support local families in securing stable living arrangements.

With its new certification, Lyons will be eligible for state resources designed to encourage housing development and affordability initiatives. Town officials are expected to receive additional details on maintaining their certification throughout 2025.