Policy Committee explores economic impacts of City Revitalization and Improvement Zones
Legislators tour project development cites, discuss economic opportunities
Policy Committee August 26, 2025 | 1:10 PM
ERIE, Aug 25. – Members of the House Majority Policy Committee toured areas of Erie County Monday to see firsthand how a City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) designation can positively impact local communities and strengthen economic development.
“I’m always excited to bring members of the Policy Committee to Erie to show them what we can do and what we’re working on, especially when we’re showing off projects to rejuvenate different parts of our region,” said House Majority Policy Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, who hosted Monday’s event. “When legislators from different areas and backgrounds get together, it shows we have a shared vision and determination to breathe new life into our communities and put Pennsylvanians first.”
City Revitalization and Improvement Zones are state government-designated areas that capture and reinvest state and local taxes generated within these zones to support economic development projects. A CRIZ consists of 130 acres in select areas of the designated city.
A portion of state and local taxes generated by businesses in the zone are redirected to the Erie CRIZ Authority. These funds are then used for initiatives like infrastructure improvements, revitalization of vacant properties, business support, and job creation. Erie received its CRIZ approval in December 2024, and the designation lasts up to 30 years.
“The CRIZ initiative is not just a strong economic tool for Pennsylvania, it’s a catalyst for real transformation. By attracting investment opportunities, creating jobs, and putting our energy into our local neighborhoods, we can help build a stronger foundation for generations to come,” Bizzarro added.
In addition to Erie, there are four other CRIZ Authorities in Pennsylvania, including Bethlehem, Lancaster, Reading and Tamaqua.
The event also featured a roundtable discussion with community officials and members of the Erie CRIZ Authority about the economic possibilities the CRIZ designation will generate. During the tour and roundtable discussion, members visited Presque Isle State Park; Flagship Food Hall, a restaurant incubator focused on growing family-owned restaurants; and the project site of the future Flagship City Commons, a versatile building combining office and commercial space.
Information about this and other House Democratic Policy Committee events can be found at pahouse.com/policy.