HARRISBURG, PA − May 23, 2025 − Today, Senator Patty Kim, and Representatives Nate Davidson, Dave Madsen, and Justin Fleming announced a partnership with the City of Harrisburg, Harrisburg Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (ICA), and Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC) to deliver a collaborative, unified downtown revitalization plan. The Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC), working with the City’s Economic Development Department, will manage the effort. The delegation has charged them with convening a steering committee comprised of public and private sector leadership, as well as community leadership, to craft a comprehensive, unified, and deliverable Revitalization Plan for Harrisburg’s Downtown.
CREDC has accepted the charge and will begin work on the plan immediately.
Senator Patty Kim stated, “Our delegation has listened to voices in the community expressing legitimate concerns about downtown development. In response, I want to emphasize that effective planning is a collaborative effort that requires both necessary resources and meaningful community engagement. We will be working to secure state resources in exchange for a continued unified process at the local level. This is our capital city and its residents deserve a downtown we can all be proud of.”
“Revitalizing our downtown is not simply about buildings and business—it is about restoring pride, fostering opportunity, and creating a more dynamic future for every Harrisburger” said Mayor Wanda Williams. “I am deeply encouraged by this partnership with the state delegation, the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, and CREDC. This unified front sends a clear message: Harrisburg is ready to move forward together, with purpose and with vision. We are grateful for the leadership and resources being brought to the table, and we are committed to making this plan a model for successful, community-centered development,” she finished.
“The ICA, City of Harrisburg, state delegation, and CREDC are unified in moving forward with a planning effort that brings together the talented human capital in our backyard,” said Doug Hill, Chairman of the ICA. “I thank Senator Kim, Representatives Madsen, Davidson, and Fleming, Mayor Williams and the city, and CREDC for stepping up and providing unified leadership in meeting this critical objective.”
The partnership is inspired by the broad-based coalition utilized to develop the “Downtown Pittsburgh Revitalization Plan” which successfully leveraged $62.6 million in state support and nearly $600 million in new investments.
“Like Pittsburgh, we will look to a broad cross-section of stakeholders including elected officials, corporate leaders, private developers, nonprofits, community leaders, residents, artists, and local business owners,” said Ryan Unger, President of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC. “The business community is motivated by this locally unprecedented partnership, and we are ready to get to work.”
“There has never been a time where the collective will to do something has been this strong, from the city to the state to the business community. It’s time to make a plan that restores downtown Harrisburg’s position as a center for economic growth,” said Representative Dave Madsen.
“As someone whose district directly neighbors the city, I fully support any effort to revitalize the downtown,” said Representative Justin Fleming. “It’s condition directly impacts the economic health of the region, and I am pleased to see the collaboration occurring.”
“If Pittsburgh can attract $62 million in investment through a collaborative and unified planning strategy, so can our community,” said Representative Nate Davidson. “Harrisburg deserves nice things, and I am proud of this group coming together to make Central Pennsylvania an even better place to live, start a business, and raise a family.”
Planning is expected to begin immediately and continue throughout the summer.