Pennsylvania will create an innovative, aggressive, and comprehensive long-term economic development strategy to supercharge the state’s economy and ensure it is competitive with neighboring states, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced.

“For the first time in nearly two decades, we’re developing a new, forward-looking strategy to ensure Pennsylvania becomes a national leader in innovation, job creation, and economic development,” Shapiro said. “This plan will help the Commonwealth create real economic opportunity, where all Pennsylvanians have access to family-sustaining jobs, strong and vibrant communities, and a high quality of life.”

The strategy will include an assessment of strengths and barriers to economic growth. It will set goals to guide policymaking decisions. Shapiro also announced that Pennsylvania will invest $10 million to prepare sites for development. 

Don Cunningham, President and CEO of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC) and other business and community leaders welcomed the announcement.

“When he spoke at LVEDC’s annual meeting in March, Gov. Shapiro proclaimed, ‘Pennsylvania is open for business,’” Cunningham said. “He really meant it. Both he and his Administration have been engaged in a comprehensive review of the state’s support of economic development and job growth. I haven’t seen an approach like this in 20 years. They are taking a lot of input and very committed to delivering an economic development strategy for the 21st Century.”

The plan will be developed with feedback received during listening sessions to be held across the state. Shapiro announced the initiative Sept. 26 during a visit to PennAir, a company that helps people in manufacturing and construction with pneumatics, hydraulics, and automation.

“Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership we are going on offense to compete in the economy of today and position Pennsylvania for the economy of tomorrow,” said Ben Kirshner, Pennsylvania’s Chief Transformation Officer. “We know that in order to compete we need a government that moves at the speed of business and provides the business community with the predictability and speed to market they need to thrive.”

The $10 million site preparation program, PA SITES (Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites), already is accepting applications. It will fund site assessments and prepare sites for remediation. The program will be funded from an additional $13 million in funding for the PA First program that Shapiro included in the 2023-24 budget that was approved in a bipartisan agreement with state legislators in August.

“This is an exciting day for the future of economic and community development in Pennsylvania,” said Rick Siger, Secretary of the Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED). “The new pilot PA SITES program is an important example of how the Shapiro Administration has listened to feedback from the economic development and business communities and turned it into action.”

The state’s comprehensive economic development strategy will include: 

•    Simplifying the landscape of available programs and incentives available through DCED and growing a smaller set of essential tools that will be the most useful.
•    Streamlining the process for businesses relocating or expanding in Pennsylvania, including through the newly created Office of Transformation and Opportunity.
•    Addressing the lack of “shovel ready” sites to attract new business and retain existing companies that require space to expand and grow.
•    Doubling down on areas of strength in high-growth sectors such as life sciences, agribusiness, manufacturing, technology and robotics, and energy, and providing targeted and focused support to those vital industries.

The plan will be developed with assistance from Team Pennsylvania Foundation to ensure all voices are heard, including the private sector.

(Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania Governor's Office)