Downtown Harrisburg receives $425K investment to support growth, revitalization

Downtown Harrisburg is receiving a significant investment to support growth and revitalization.

Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary Rick Vilello highlighted Tuesday the Shapiro Administration‘s investment of $425,000 in Harrisburg.

The 2025-26 bipartisan budget, signed by Governor Shapiro, directs $350,000 through to the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC) to help develop a Downtown Revitalization Action Plan and $75,000 to the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District to strengthen safety and security in downtown Harrisburg.

“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,” Vilello said in a statement. “This investment reflects the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to working alongside local partners to help improve Harrisburg. Bringing together thoughtful planning, strategic investment, and community leadership helps drive the kind of revitalization that strengthens downtowns, supports local businesses, and creates new opportunities for residents.”

Vilello was joined by state and local officials and other partners at Strawberry Square for the announcement.

“Harrisburg’s downtown is the front door to our Capital City,” said Mayor Wanda R.D. Williams. “It is where residents work, where visitors experience our community, and where businesses invest in our future. While our administration is committed to revitalizing neighborhoods across the entire city, strengthening downtown creates momentum that benefits every neighborhood in Harrisburg. 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.”

Said Senator Patty Kim (D-Dauphin), “Last year, when we started the work of bringing everyone together for downtown revitalization, I promised to fight for the resources needed to do it. 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.”

Representative David Madsen (D-Dauphin) called the grant a game‑changer for Downtown Harrisburg.

“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,” said Madsen. “This is a critical step toward realizing Harrisburg’s full potential, and I’ll keep working with local leaders and partners to turn this momentum into lasting opportunity for our community.”

Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC President and CEO Ryan Unger said revitalizing downtown Harrisburg is not work any single entity or group can do alone.

“As we work alongside business leaders, community partners, and local, county, and state government leadership, this funding turns the collaboration we’ve built together into real action,” said Unger. “We are grateful for the Shapiro Administration and Senator Kim’s leadership. And their recognition that a vibrant downtown Harrisburg is essential to the economic prosperity of the entire Capital Region and commonwealth.”

Said Executive Director of the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District Todd Vander Woude, “The Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District’s mission is to keep downtown Harrisburg clean, safe, and beautiful. We appreciate the state’s support of our safe initiative by enhancing and expanding our walking police patrol detail.”