Cepeda-Freytiz celebrates Reading's CRIZ designation as a catalyst for growth
Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz January 2, 2025 | 2:35 PM
READING, Jan. 2 – State Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, announced that Reading has been awarded the City Revitalization and Improvement Zone designation, marking a major step forward in the city’s economic development.
“This is a transformative moment for Reading,” said Cepeda-Freytiz. “The CRIZ designation provides us with an incredible opportunity to attract businesses, create jobs and revitalize neglected areas. It’s a win for our entire community.”
The CRIZ program, reopened through Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2024-25 bipartisan budget, allows state and local taxes collected within designated zones to be reinvested into local development projects.
“With this designation, Reading is poised to follow in the footsteps of cities like Lancaster and Bethlehem,” Cepeda-Freytiz said. “Together, we’ll turn this opportunity into real progress for our city.”
Reading joins Erie as one of the two cities designated for CRIZ this fiscal year, a program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to drive urban revitalization in eligible third-class cities.
“This is just the beginning,” Cepeda-Freytiz concluded. “I look forward to working with our community to make the most of this exciting opportunity and build a brighter future for Reading.”