READING, Pa. – During his 2026 State of the City Address, Reading’s Mayor Eddie Moran spoke of a future for the city which is being shaped by the momentum of stability and progress.
“Together, we are building a city that is accountable, financially responsible and prepared for the future; a city that invests with intentions; a city that supports its neighborhoods, its workforce and its business,” Moran said.
The mayor said the momentum created in 2025 is a result of choices, sacrifices and shared responsibility.
“This moment belongs to all of us: residents, workers, business owners and partners who believe that Reading’s best chapter is not behind us,” Moran said. “Each of you, in your own way, has added to the step to this journey —whether you opened a business here, serve on a board or neighborhood group, by showing up to work every day, or by believing that this city is worth every effort.”
“If we continue to stay focused, stay disciplined, and stay committed to one another, Reading’s momentum will not just be visible, it will be lasting,” Moran emphasized. “It will be shared, and it will carry us into a future that is brighter.”
Moran gave his address Friday morning at a breakfast event held at the Redner’s Event Center in FirstEnergy Stadium.
In a spirit of ecumenical unity, the event opened with prayers from Islamic, Roman Catholic, Protestant and Jewish clergy.
“Our journey is grounded in a simple belief that when we move forward together, no challenge is too hard or too large and no ambition is out of reach of the city,” Moran said. “[That belief] has guided our work on safe streets, safe neighborhoods, education, workforce development, economic growth and responsible leadership. I am proud to say that 2025 tells a clear story — a story of momentum built on stability and progress that defines who we are as a city and what we can accomplish when we commit to working together.”
Moran said that when looking at Reading today, everyone can see momentum at work.
“Every change we’ve made, every improvement, every step forward has contributed to this story,” he said. “Neighborhoods are seeing visible improvements in streets. Parks, lighting and public spaces, and internal systems are becoming more efficient and reliable, delivering the level of service residents expect and deserve. And residents and businesses are showing growing confidence in the direction the city is heading.”
The mayor highlighted a number of accomplishments achieved in 2025 and gave a glimpse into new projects for 2026, including an International Arena League football team — the Pennsylvania Benjamins — who will call Santander Arena home, a proposed mixed-use residential and commercial development of the former Dana site, and Alan Shuman’s redevelopment of buildings on Penn Street.
Moran on city government:
“Our strength lies in investing in the foundation of city government itself by ensuring the people running our programs, managing our resources, and delivering services every day are equipped, supported and ready to keep Reading moving forward.”
“Our Community Development division resolved thousands of residents’ requests faster than in past years, making it easier for people to get the help they need.”
“Building and trades saw increased permit activity as an improved process encouraging homeowners and investors to build and reinvest in Reading.”
“Public safety maintained some of the region’s strongest response time while managing tens of thousands of emergency calls with professionalism and care. The city’s service call center handled 22,489 calls from residents across Reading.”
“Improvements to our internal operations, including human resources, purchasing and finance, have stabilized longstanding challenges and modernized critical systems, enabling us to serve our residents as they deserve.”
“Moving forward, the Citizen Service Center will be known as the City Service Center. The new name better reflects inclusivity as it is the forward to city government and a place where all can come in to be heard and helped.”
On public safety:
“Public safety is one of the clearest places where that momentum shows up in real life in 2025, with 154 of 175 authorized police positions filled, officers responded to more than 41,000 dispatch calls for service. Even with that workload, serious crime declined by 14%.”
“We ended the year with 12 straight months of double-digit crime reduction: robberies fell by 17%, aggravated assault dropped by more than 20%, property crimes also declined, including burglaries, thefts and motor vehicle thefts.”
“In 2025, officers carried out more than 3,951 direct patrol deployments focused on problem areas and emerging issues. Citywide, gun violence indicators continued to improve, with shots-fired incidents reduced by roughly 40%.”
“Technology investments are strengthening public safety across the city and the Pagoda area. The installation of 55 new cameras and automated access gates (along Skyline Drive) improve monitoring and help reduce noise and other quality of life. Issues.”
“Thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous business owner of $60,000, we are continuing to expand our video surveillance unit. That means citywide we now monitor more than 220 cameras with plans to add an additional 150 in this coming year.”
“We have removed significant quantities of illegal narcotics from our streets. An example of this is a recent routine patrol in East Reading that led to the recovery of 10 pounds of crystal meth with an estimated street value of more than $200,000. These are drugs that are taken off the street because our city offices stay alert and we are sending a clear message: illegal drugs and not belong in our streets, plain and simple.”
“The fire department responded to more than 3,000 calls in 2025. Of those, firefighters responded to over 2,000 fire related incidents. That work included 35 structure fires, more than 200 motor vehicle accidents and hundreds of hazardous condition and rescue costs. Firefighters also supported more than 5,000 EMS calls.”
On public works:
“Progress is not only measured in moments of crisis, but also built through the everyday work that allows the city to function. Without interruption, when buildings are safe and comfortable, when parks are open and cared for, when snow is being cleared and when critical systems operate the way they should, people feel that stability in their lives.”
“Through the Department of Public Works and the Capital Improvement program, the city completed 31 capital projects totaling more than $24 million in investment across public buildings, parks and core infrastructure. In 2025 alone, public works paved 4.5 miles of roadway across Reading, and since the start of this administration, we have paved 22 miles of city streets, representing more than $28 million in investments.”
On the Pagoda:
“The Pagoda is more than a building, folks. It is our most recognizable landmark, without a doubt. This year, we made a significant investment in the Pagoda’s mechanical, electrical and plumbing system to address decades of deferred maintenance.”
“This past holiday season, for the first time in years, we were able to turn the lights back on so Santa could find his way back to Reading. You know, that’s a small gesture, but a powerful reminder that when we care for the things that defined us, we are investing in tradition, memory and civic pride.”
“I am happy to announce that the Pagoda renovations remain on track for completion in early 2026.”
On community development:
“I’m happy to announce that the city’s pre-sale inspection program resumed at the start of this year to ensure properties meet basic standards before they change hands.”
“In 2025, our building and trades division received nearly 1,000 permit applications and issued more than 1,100 permits, which includes backlog applications.”
“Zoning updates around the train station and in the manufacturing commercial district are opening the doors to transit-oriented development and the adaptive reuse of vacant industrial building for housing. Expansion projects from partners such as Reading Area Community College and Alvernia University and the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts are inviting more people every day to study here and visit our downtown.The downtown Reading team continues to grow and strengthen our signature events.”
“Starting this spring, we will now have an International Arena League football team, the Pennsylvania Benjamins, calling the Santander Arena home.”
“Another powerful example of sustained commitment is the opening of Supernatural Produce on North Fourth Street, which represents an investment in a neighborhood once considered a food desert. This expands access to healthy, culturally relevant food and creates more than 150 jobs while serving thousands of customers each week.”
“This year, we were proud to partner with the Reading Housing Authority on the opening of the Oakbrook Centre for Community Service, which brings job training, health resources, food access and early childhood vision together in one place.”
“This past year also marked a fundamental milestone for the Reading CRIZ (The City Revitalization and Improvement Zone designation), giving us clear rules, oversight and accountability. With the groundwork in place, CRIZ is ready to move forward, aligning private investment with public priorities, accelerating development that strengthens our neighborhoods, our downtown and our tax base.”
“Another example of real momentum is the project at the former Dana site. The city entered into a letter of intent for the sale and redevelopment of nearly 50 acres of that unutilized industrial land, The proposal is mixed-use with commercial and residential activity planned along Clinton Street and industrial development to the rear. Early projection estimates 225 to 330 permanent jobs with approximately 300 construction jobs during building.”
“The city has entered a letter of intent with (developer) Alan Shuman for the redevelopment of the Fifth and Penn buildings, one of the most visible corners in the city. When my team brought this to me, it was clear we could not wait any longer. Decades of neglect had left buildings unsafe, holding back one of Reading’s most important quarters. The city moved forward with the emergency demolition of 431 and 433 Penn St. last year to protect public safety and reset the site so he could move forward. I am happy to announce today that the project is planned as a phased new construction development centered on multifamily housing with retail on the ground floor.”
“This is what the story of momentum looks like: individual improvements that add to real, measurable progress,” Moran concluded. “Progress like this does not happen by accident. It happens when people choose to move forward together because we want to keep going after a better tomorrow. When that sheer commitment guides our work, decisions are stronger, confidence grows, and progress occurs. I’m here to say that the state of the city of Reading is strong and is growing stronger, more confident and more united every day.”