In the near future, I intend to introduce new legislation updating transparency and small business attraction opportunities within the existing Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ) district in Allentown.
This legislation will include long overdue independent audit transparency provisions authorizing the coordination to better improve compliance with existing state reviews.

Act 84 of 2016 enabled targeted incremental state and local revenues programs for economic development purposes, particularly in its set of geographically diverse City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) programs. As these programs have evolved, policymakers have expanded their focus to support the growth and improvement of existing businesses while encouraging the redevelopment of vacant and underutilized properties. Lancaster city’s CRIZ authority oversees a CRIZ Small Business Financial Assistance (SBFA) program that has successfully provided more than 30 local businesses with grants and loans. I am introducing companion legislation to Senator Miller’s bill that would replicate these responsible investments by redirecting a portion of existing annual revenues to support small and independent employers. With this, we are encouraging the anchoring of more unique brick and mortar opportunities.

The NIZ has been a catalyst for revitalization, making transformative projects possible. Expanding its toolkit to include small business grants will help to repurpose underused and vacant spaces, strengthen the local economy, and create new jobs.

Incorporating common-sense transparency measures and small business assistance will strengthen the use of this unique and innovative program. I hope that you will join me in cosponsoring this important legislation.