Guzman touts more than $185,000 investment to help revitalize Reading
Funding is headed to Reading through the City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) Program
Rep. Manuel Guzman October 20, 2026 | 2:01 PM
READING, Oct. 20 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today commended more than $185,000 in funding for Reading through Pennsylvania’s City Revitalization and Improvement Zone program, marking the city’s first award through the initiative.
Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Secretary Pat Browne announced that Reading, Erie, Lancaster, Bethlehem and Tamaqua will receive funding through the program.
Reading will receive $185,057.97. The program has helped participating cities advance downtown revitalization and economic development. Reading and Erie are receiving funding for the first time after Gov. Josh Shapiro reopened the program following more than a decade without new funding opportunities.
“I’ve long advocated for Reading to benefit from the CRIZ program, and I’m proud to see more than $185,000 coming to our city for the first time through this initiative. Revitalization doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, collaboration and sustained effort,” Guzman said.
“This funding can help attract businesses, revitalize downtown and put underutilized properties back to productive use, creating new opportunities for Reading’s economy,” Guzman said.
The CRIZ funding is based on activity from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2025.
CRIZ zones can encompass up to 130 acres and are selected based on their potential to generate significant economic improvements. The Reading CRIZ is administered by the City of Reading Revitalization and Improvement Zone Authority Board.