State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today commended more than $185,000 in funding for Reading through Pennsylvania’s City Revitalization and Improvement Zone program, marking the city’s first award through the initiative.
Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Secretary Pat Browne announced that Reading, Erie, Lancaster, Bethlehem and Tamaqua will receive funding through the program.
Reading will receive $185,057.97. The program has helped participating cities advance downtown revitalization and economic development. Reading and Erie are receiving funding for the first time after Gov. Josh Shapiro reopened the program following more than a decade without new funding opportunities.
“The funding is an important step, but revitalization does not happen overnight,” Guzman said. “It takes consistent effort, collaboration and a long-term strategy. I’m proud to have been part of the work that brought us to this point, and I’ll continue working to strengthen Reading’s economic future,” Guzman said. The CRIZ funding is based on activity from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2025.
“I’m proud to see that continued effort help bring this opportunity to Reading, where the funding can support downtown revitalization and put underutilized properties back to productive use.”
CRIZ zones can encompass up to 130 acres and are selected based on their potential to generate significant economic improvements. The Reading CRIZ is administered by the City of Reading Revitalization and Improvement Zone Authority Board.