READING, Pa. – Reading’s revitalization efforts took center stage at the state capitol as city and Berks County leaders gathered in Harrisburg to highlight the city’s economic growth, declining crime, and plans for future development.
Reading Mayor Eddie Moran joined Berks County business leaders and higher education officials to promote the city as a destination for businesses, developers and investors.
“To the businesses, developers, entrepreneurs, investors across Pennsylvania and beyond, come to Reading,” Moran said.
Leaders pointed to progress made in recent years while focusing on opportunities ahead.
According to Mayor Moran, Reading has seen a decrease in violence and an increase in economic development over the past eight years. He says the city saw a 14% decrease in crime last year and has a private-sector investment pipeline of more than $100 million.
WFMZ-TV | Jace Codi
A major focus of the discussion was the city’s efforts to attract additional businesses and investment.
Moran thanked Gov. Josh Shapiro and state lawmakers for awarding Reading a City Revitalization and Improvement Zone, or CRIZ. The program provides tax benefits to certain businesses in designated areas and is intended to encourage investment and development.
“CRIZ helps us take great ideas and turn them into real projects,” Moran said.
The event also served as an opportunity for local leaders to look beyond the progress of recent years and toward Reading’s next phase of development.