Harrisburg, PA – On Tuesday, March 18, 2026, the Shapiro Administration announced a $425,000 investment to support the growth and revitalization of downtown Harrisburg, marking a significant step forward in a collaborative effort to strengthen the capital city.
The funding, announced by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development at Strawberry Square, includes $350,000 awarded to the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation to support the development of a Downtown Revitalization Action Plan. An additional $75,000 will go to the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District to enhance safety and security in the downtown core.
This investment builds on ongoing work to bring together business leaders, community partners, and local, county, and state officials around a shared vision for downtown Harrisburg. Over the several months, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC has helped convene these partners to identify priorities, align efforts, and move toward a more coordinated approach to revitalization.
The funding allows that work to move forward in a more structured and actionable way, supporting the development of a plan that will guide future investment, strengthen the business environment, and improve the experience for those who live, work and visit downtown.
State and local leaders emphasized the importance of investing in downtown Harrisburg as a driver of broader economic growth, noting that a strong and vibrant downtown supports small businesses, attracts visitors and creates opportunities for residents.
The Downtown Revitalization Action Plan will serve as a roadmap to help align partners, prioritize strategies and guide future efforts to strengthen downtown. As this work continues, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC will remain focused on bringing partners together and supporting progress that reflects the needs of the business community and the region.
About the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC
For 140 years, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC has served as the region’s catalyst for economic prosperity. The organization combines business, community, and economic development services to enhance the region’s vitality and livability. The Chamber is a five-star accredited chamber through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—a distinction held by fewer than 1 percent of chambers nationwide. CREDC is the region’s toolbox for economic development. It is the only Certified Economic Development Organization (CEDO) approved by the Commonwealth’s Department of Community and Economic Development to perform economic development activities regionally using Pennsylvania’s funding programs across Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties.
The Chamber & CREDC celebrates a storied history of being the catalyst that moves the city forward. The Chamber answered the call from Mira Lloyd Dock to lead the City Beautiful movement in 1900. Twenty years later, the Chamber spearheaded the effort to bring reliable, modern electricity to the city. Over the past two decades, CREDC has driven $150 million in economic impact through close to 100 projects in the city, catalyzing the redevelopment of residential, commercial, and industrial sites.
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