Gov. Shapiro pledges ‘game-changer’ $425K investment to help revitalize downtown Harrisburg

The Shapiro administration on Tuesday pledged $425,000 to support revitalizing downtown Harrisburg.
Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary Rick Vilello said $350,000 of the pledge comes through the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC), which will help fund the Downtown Revitalization Action Plan.
The remaining $75,000 will go to the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District to bolster security and public safety measures.
“Downtowns and main streets are the heart of our communities — they’re where people gather, where small businesses grow, and where local economies take shape,” said Vilello. “This investment reflects the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to working alongside local partners to help improve Harrisburg.”
Vilello, who made the announcement at Harrisburg’s Strawberry Square Tuesday, was joined by more than a dozen state and local officials.
Democratic Senators Patty Kim and Dave Madsen, whose districts include Harrisburg, touted the investment.
“I am proud to stand with the Shapiro Administration, DCED, and our public and private partners to announce investments that kick-start this transformational effort,” Kim said.
“This grant is a game‑changer for downtown Harrisburg,” said Madsen. “I’m excited to see these funds breathe new life into our streets, activate storefronts and public spaces, and create more reasons for families, visitors, and entrepreneurs to spend time here.”
Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams thanked the Shapiro administration for recognizing the importance of downtown Harrisburg.
“Harrisburg’s downtown is the front door to our Capital City. It is where residents work, where visitors experience our community, and where businesses invest in our future,” Williams said. “We are grateful to Governor Shapiro and the Commonwealth for partnering with us on this investment and for recognizing the importance of a strong and vibrant capital city.”
The Dauphin County Commissioners also issued a statement in support of the investment.
“Dauphin County is committed to working with our partners at all levels of government and in the private sector to align economic investments with the stated needs of our diverse residents and workforce to deliver the vibrant, healthy downtown Harrisburg and the surrounding communities deserve,” said commissioners Justin Douglas, Mike Pries, and George P. Hartwick, III.
Earlier this year, Shapiro gathered Harrisburg city leaders, legislative members from the General Assembly, city and state police and local business owners to chart a path for Harrisburg’s future.
Recent efforts by the Shapiro administration to revitalize Harrisburg include investments in business development projects, like the $8 million expansion of specialty grains producer US Durum and creating affordable housing options in the Allison Hill neighborhood by transforming vacant properties into usable housing and spaces for residents.