New York Codes, Rules and Regulations Title 5 - DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

**New York Codes, Rules and Regulations

Title 5 – Department of Economic Development**

1. Overview

Title 5 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) contains the administrative rules issued by the New York State Department of Economic Development (DED), now commonly operating through agencies such as Empire State Development.

These regulations implement state economic policy by governing:

Business development and incentives

Industrial and commercial growth

Tourism promotion

Minority- and women-owned business development

Community revitalization and job creation

Title 5 gives legal and procedural effect to New York’s economic development statutes.

2. Purpose of Title 5

The primary objectives of Title 5 are to:

Promote economic growth across New York State

Encourage business investment and job creation

Administer state incentive and assistance programs

Ensure transparency and accountability in economic development activities

Support disadvantaged and underrepresented businesses

3. Scope of Regulation

Title 5 applies to:

Businesses seeking state economic assistance

Public authorities and local development entities

Nonprofit organizations involved in economic development

Minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs)

Tourism and marketing entities

4. Major Areas Covered Under Title 5

A. Economic Development Programs

Title 5 establishes rules for:

Business incentive programs

Financial assistance, loans, and grants

Tax credit administration

Infrastructure and redevelopment projects

It outlines eligibility criteria, application procedures, compliance obligations, and performance benchmarks.

B. Industrial and Commercial Development

Regulations cover:

Industrial development initiatives

Manufacturing and technology sector support

Urban and rural revitalization projects

Public-private partnerships

Applicants must demonstrate economic benefit, such as job creation or capital investment.

C. Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE)

A significant portion of Title 5 addresses:

Certification of MWBEs

Participation goals in state-funded projects

Reporting and compliance requirements

Enforcement mechanisms for noncompliance

These provisions aim to ensure equal opportunity and inclusivity in economic development.

D. Tourism and Marketing Programs

Title 5 authorizes:

State tourism promotion initiatives

Grants for tourism-related infrastructure

Marketing and branding programs

Support for cultural, recreational, and heritage tourism

Rules specify funding eligibility, project evaluation, and reporting requirements.

E. Community Development and Revitalization

Title 5 supports:

Distressed community assistance

Downtown revitalization

Brownfield redevelopment

Workforce development programs

Emphasis is placed on long-term economic sustainability.

5. Application and Approval Procedures

Title 5 generally requires:

Formal application submission

Disclosure of financial and ownership information

Evaluation based on statutory and regulatory criteria

Approval or denial by the Department or designated authority

Ongoing monitoring and reporting

Failure to comply may result in termination of benefits or recovery of funds.

6. Compliance, Monitoring, and Enforcement

The Department has authority to:

Audit funded projects

Require progress and financial reports

Investigate misuse of funds

Suspend or revoke assistance

Impose penalties or recover improperly used funds

These provisions ensure accountability and responsible use of public resources.

7. Appeals and Administrative Review

Title 5 provides procedures for:

Administrative appeals of adverse decisions

Review of certification denials or revocations

Requests for reconsideration

This ensures due process for applicants and participants.

8. Legal Significance

Title 5:

Translates economic policy into enforceable rules

Provides predictability for businesses and investors

Ensures fairness, transparency, and public oversight

Aligns state economic initiatives with broader social goals

It plays a central role in New York’s economic governance framework.

9. Summary Table

AspectTitle 5 – NYCRR
Regulating AuthorityDepartment of Economic Development
Primary FocusEconomic growth, business incentives, job creation
Key ProgramsBusiness assistance, MWBE, tourism, revitalization
BeneficiariesBusinesses, nonprofits, communities
Compliance ToolsAudits, reporting, enforcement actions
AppealsAdministrative review available

10. Conclusion

Title 5 of the NYCRR provides the regulatory backbone for New York State’s economic development strategy. It governs how public funds and incentives are distributed, ensures inclusive participation, promotes sustainable growth, and maintains accountability in economic initiatives.

In essence, Title 5 transforms economic policy objectives into binding administrative rules that guide businesses, agencies, and communities across New York State.

LEAVE A COMMENT