HARRISBURG, PA — For the first time in over a decade, Pennsylvania’s City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) program is back in action, and big changes are on the horizon for Erie and Reading. On Monday, Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration officially approved these two cities to participate in the program, opening the door to transformative economic opportunities. This bold step promises to drag Erie and Reading out of economic stagnation and into a future brimming with job creation, business growth, and community revitalization.
CRIZ is more than a financial tool—it’s a lifeline for cities that have been left behind. The program channels state and local tax revenues collected within designated zones—up to 130 acres per city—back into economic development projects. With this funding, local leaders can breathe life into crumbling downtowns, rehabilitate vacant spaces, and create environments ripe for business investments. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the Shapiro Administration is making it clear that Pennsylvania is serious about reclaiming its economic edge.
“My Administration worked across the aisle to restart the CRIZ program for the first time in more than a decade and create real opportunity in Pennsylvania,” Governor Josh Shapiro declared. “This designation will help Erie and Reading attract new businesses, create more jobs, and reach their full economic potential. My Administration will continue to get stuff done for communities all across the Commonwealth and work to make Pennsylvania a leader in innovation, job creation, and economic development.”
What Does CRIZ Mean for Erie and Reading?
For cities like Erie and Reading, CRIZ offers a second chance to reclaim their downtowns and bring vibrancy back to neglected spaces. Imagine dormant buildings turned into bustling retail centers, empty lots transformed into thriving office hubs, and struggling neighborhoods pulsating with energy as new businesses take root. CRIZ has the potential to make all of this a reality.
Erie, the historic city on the shores of Lake Erie, has faced decades of economic challenges, but now stands poised for a much-needed renaissance. Meanwhile, Reading, once celebrated for its industrial might, has a chance to recover its luster with a revitalized downtown core.
“These designations are game changers for the cities of Erie and Reading — supplying them with a powerful tool to move their economies forward,” emphasized Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger. “This is an exciting step forward for both cities that will help revitalize communities, generate jobs, and further strengthen our economy.”
A CRIZ-Fueled Future
Here’s how the CRIZ program works and why it’s a big deal for Erie and Reading. Within the designated zones, state and local taxes collected from businesses are reinvested directly back into those same areas. These funds are used to spark economic development projects, making it easier for businesses to set up shop or expand their operations. Simply put, CRIZ turns tax dollars into building blocks for long-term growth.
Last year alone, nearly $15 million was distributed to the three cities already participating in the program—Lancaster, Bethlehem, and Tamaqua. Officials in Erie and Reading now hope to emulate the success of their CRIZ predecessors.
“Our team at the Department of Revenue has recently toured the existing City Revitalization and Improvement Zones in other areas of Pennsylvania,” said Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne. “Those tours have given us the opportunity to see firsthand the growth and progress that has occurred in these communities with the help of the CRIZ program. We are excited to see the program drive development in Erie and Reading now that the CRIZ applications for both cities have been approved.”
A Bipartisan Victory for Pennsylvania
Governor Shapiro’s bipartisan approach to reviving the CRIZ program showcases an unwavering commitment to Pennsylvania’s future. Earlier this year, after signing the 2024-25 budget into law, his administration reopened the program to allow new cities to apply—a first since CRIZ was established in 2013. This decision wasn’t just about policy; it was a deliberate effort to ensure that communities with economic potential were no longer overlooked.
The governor’s push to restart CRIZ reflects a broader vision for Pennsylvania—to make it a hub of innovation, a leader in job creation, and a national model for smart, inclusive economic growth. And with Erie and Reading now empowered to take the reins of their own futures, that vision seems closer than ever.
Erie, Reading, and the Road Ahead
For the residents of Erie and Reading, the CRIZ designation could mark the beginning of a new chapter. It promises not only the physical transformation of their cities but also the restoration of something less tangible yet equally vital—hope.
The road ahead won’t be easy. Success will require collaboration between city officials, the state government, local businesses, and community leaders. But if the examples of Lancaster, Bethlehem, and Tamaqua are anything to go by, victory is far from out of reach.
Pennsylvania is betting big on the power of revitalization and reinvestment. With Erie and Reading in the CRIZ spotlight, the entire state will be watching closely. Transformation is never guaranteed, but one thing is certain—the foundation has been laid, and the potential for greatness is there.
For two cities long accustomed to setbacks, CRIZ offers more than funding or opportunity. It offers a future. Only time will tell how they seize it.
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