The state of New York has announced nearly $1 billion to transform, modernize and revive the SUNY Downstate hospital in central Brooklyn.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the state legislature will commit $450 million in additional investments for a transformative project at the SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. This new state funding, imparted from the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Executive Budget, seeks to ensure Downstate’s long-term future and ability to train, treat and service New York City communities.
“Downstate came through for us during the pandemic, and now it’s our turn to come through for them,” New York City Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse said. “This funding represents a bright new future for SUNY Downstate, and I look forward to working with the Governor, the Community Advisory Board and all stakeholders to ensure these resources are utilized to build a stronger, more sustainable future for this essential hospital.”
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The SUNY Downstate hospital is an academic medical center in Brooklyn that serves New York City’s five boroughs. The hospital, which has faced rumors of shutting down in recent years, offers both inpatient and outpatient services. However, following years of disrepair, Downstate’s facilities require significant renovations, and it will be at risk of financial insolvency without additional support.
New York State’s funding, totaling a combined $950 million, seeks to address these challenges and ensure the hospital’s continued role as an essential healthcare service and training facility, offering a sign of life for the aging hospital. The funding will include $550 million in capital and operating support from the state’s FY 2026 Executive Budget and an additional $400 million through the FY 2025 Enacted Budget.
As part of this announcement, the state’s Community Advisory Board, established under the Enacted Budget, will also pursue several recommendations to ensure SUNY’s long-term financial health and stability. The result of the board’s research will guide up to $750 million in additional capital investments.
To guide its recommendations, the board will analyze various trends, factors, and benchmarks to improve SUNY’s healthcare services and facilities. This includes evaluating healthcare delivery, financial management, infrastructure upgrades and workforce training. Additionally, the board will assess the hospital’s role in addressing health disparities and its ability to provide critical care to Brooklyn’s diverse population.
In addition to being a critical healthcare resource in NYC, SUNY Downstate is a key institution for training the next generation of medical professionals. These state investments, along with the board’s recommendations, will expand training and workforce opportunities at the facility to ensure the hospital remains a leading provider of healthcare and education in the region.
The surge in state funding is expected to equip the facility with the equipment, workforce and technologies to effectively service Brooklyn and nearby communities.
While many of the project’s details are still being refined, the advisory board will host two additional public hearings to engage with community members and other stakeholders. The details, dates and times for these hearings are anticipated to be announced in the coming weeks.
After concluding these public hearings, the board will inform the state and legislature with written recommendations on SUNY’s future before April 1.
“This community has made it clear we expect a transparent, open process to shape Downstate’s future and address Brooklyn’s healthcare needs,” New York State Senator Zellnor Myrie said. “Over the coming weeks and months, I look forward to working with colleagues and neighbors to protect this vital institution and ensure it remains open to serve our community.”
Photo courtesy Jim.henderson, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons