Every winter in Albany, lawmakers go through a season of budget decisions that help determine the New York State budget and how the state’s money is spent in the coming year. For outdoor lovers, this is a big deal because how public lands get funded happens right here.

At Parks & Trails New York, we’re tracking this closely and advocating for strong investments that help communities get outside, stay active, and access nature. Let’s break down the two budget steps we’ve seen so far this year:

Step 1: The Governor’s State of the State Address

What it is:

Each January, the Governor delivers the State of the State address–a big-picture speech about priorities for the year ahead. It’s not a spending plan yet, but it gives clues about what the Governor values and what she wants to focus on.

What the Governor said this year:

Governor Hochul highlighted parks and public lands as essential parts of New York’s infrastructure. She called out investments that help people connect to nature, improve access for all, and support outdoor recreation across the state.

• High Falls State Park: Construction to begin in 2026 on Rochester’s first state park, transforming a former brownfield into a free, transit-connected outdoor space linked to regional trails.
• Riverbank State Park: A proposed revitalization that focuses on safety, ADA accessibility, and year-round community programming.
• Enhanced Niagara Parks Corridor: Plans to unify Niagara Falls, Whirlpool, and Devil’s Hole State Parks into a connected world-class destination.
• Expanded programming like new pedestrian park entrances near schools and initiatives such as These Lands Are for Everyone. 

PTNY’s take:

We welcomed this vision because it recognizes public lands as infrastructure that supports real community needs–from walking and biking to wellness programs and inclusive access. It’s encouraging to hear public lands discussed this way at the start of budget season, and it gives advocates a clear foundation to build on during the budget negotiations ahead.

Step 2: The Governor’s Proposed FY 2027 Budget

What it is:

Shortly after the State of the State, the Governor puts forward an actual New York State budget proposal. This is where specific dollar amounts go on paper–proposed investments and programs the Governor wants the Legislature to approve.

What the proposal includes for public lands:

Governor Hochul’s Proposed FY 2027 budget includes specific investments that touch parks, trails, and public lands:

• A $340 million capital plan for NY State Parks, including upgrades and improvements across the system.
• $75 million for NY BRICKS, a program that supports recreational infrastructure.
• $75 million specifically for High Falls State Park development in Rochester, helping create a new park and connect more residents to outdoor recreation.
• $58 million for renovations at Riverbank State Park and Lake Welch in Harriman State Park.
• $90 million in capital funding for DEC through the Adventure NY program, supporting access and infrastructure across roughly 5 million acres of state lands.
• Continued support for statewide programs through the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF):
  • $2.65 million for the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program
  • $26 million for the Municipal Parks Program
  • $3.8 million for Connect Kids to Parks, helping students from all backgrounds access outdoor learning.

PTNY’s take:

We’re encouraged by many of these proposals because they reflect a strong understanding of how public lands contribute to community well-being, climate resilience, and equitable access to nature. The level of funding proposed for capital improvements and grassroots programs shows real leadership, but it’s also just a starting point.

Parks and public lands advocacy day

Each year during budget season, we bring together partners from across the state for Park & Public Lands Advocacy Day–a focused day of conversations with state leaders about why public lands deserve strong, sustained investment.

Advocacy Day is one of the key ways we turn community priorities into action in Albany. PTNY staff and partners meet directly with legislators and their teams to share on-the-ground stories, highlight local needs, and reinforce the message that public lands are essential infrastructure for New York’s health, economy, and quality of life.

This year, our advocacy is centered on building support for the Governor’s proposed investments in public lands and making the case for going further, so programs and projects can keep pace with rising costs, growing visitation, and increasing demand for equitable access to the outdoors

what’s next

After Park & Public Lands Advocacy Day and the legislative budget negotiations:

• The Legislature releases its own New York State budget priorities.
• Lawmakers and the Governor work toward an agreed-upon final budget.
• Funding for parks, trails, and public lands is finalized.

Stay tuned for more. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way.