State investments transforming PA cities, hometowns
Revitalization and Improvement Zones spurring economic growth
Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus July 29, 2025 | 12:21 PM
READING, July 29 – State investments are already helping transform downtown Reading, serving as an illustration for how the City Revitalization and Improvement Zones are preserving historic buildings, growing local economies and paving the way for the redevelopment of cities and hometowns across Pennsylvania.
To better understand how City Revitalization and Improvement Zones impact local communities and economies, the Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee convened a roundtable discussion and tour with local business owners and local officials in Reading Tuesday.
“The CRIZ designation for Reading is a game-changer, and what we hope will spur an economic boom in the city of Reading for years to come,” said state Rep. Manny Guzman, who represents portions of Reading and hosted Tuesday’s event. “A rejuvenated downtown will help create jobs and improve the lives of our residents for years to come.”
City Revitalization and Improvement Zones, also known as CRIZ, are state government-designated areas that capture and reinvest state and local taxes generated within these zones to support economic development projects. A CRIZ designation can help breathe new life into a community through the redevelopment of buildings with various uses, attraction of new businesses, and the creation and retention of jobs.
There are currently five CRIZ Authorities in Pennsylvania, including Bethlehem, Erie, Lancaster, Reading and Tamaqua. CRIZ regions can encompass up to 130 acres and are selected based on their potential to generate a CRIZ. Reading received its approval in December 2024, and the designation lasts up to 30 years.
“These are not just investments in infrastructure — they’re investments in people,” said state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, who serves as the House Majority Policy Committee chairman. “These initiatives provide an opportunity for generational change, bringing businesses back to buildings that have been underutilized or sitting vacant for 25 years.
“Erie received its CRIZ designation the same time as Reading, so this is a great opportunity to see how another community with this designation is gearing up to take advantage of the program.”
During the tour, lawmakers walked through the Penn Street corridor and visited Alvernia University’s multi-million-dollar revitalization efforts – including its American House – and SuperNatural Produce.
“When we transform our cities, we see firsthand the need to prioritize the people that have been dedicated members of our community and our local economy,” said state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, who represents portions of the city of Reading and Berks County. “They have been reliable leaders in helping the community tap into what we all saw as Reading’s great potential.”