State and local leaders, alongside business and community stakeholders, gathered at 333 Market Street today to launch a comprehensive initiative aimed at spurring growth, modernizing infrastructure, and revitalizing Downtown Harrisburg.
The strategy, titled Harrisburg Works for All of Us, was crafted over nine months with input from more than 4,400 residents. Its first phase is backed by $64 million in total public and private funding designed to support local businesses, upgrade the riverfront, expand housing and transit options, and boost cultural and recreational attractions across the capital city.
As part of this overarching package, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is committing $22.7 million in new state funding, building upon more than $31 million delivered to the city over recent years.
“To build a stronger Harrisburg, you need a vision that brings people together and a plan that keeps everyone moving in unison, and that vision must include a renewed commitment to community safety,” said Lt. Governor Austin Davis. “Everyone should be safe and feel safe. We’re going to continue working with Harrisburg Police to identify funding opportunities to improve community safety.”
The plan represents a collaborative effort involving the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, Pennsylvania Downtown Center, the City of Harrisburg, Dauphin County, and local state legislators.
To ensure the roadmap reflected actual community needs, the Pennsylvania Downtown Center and the Project for Public Spaces conducted an extensive five-month outreach campaign. This process included surveying 4,000 workers, residents, and business owners, holding 15 focus groups, six public workshops, 30 community conversations, and 25 one-on-one interviews.
The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) worked alongside these local partners to align state funding with community priorities.
“Ensuring that our Commonwealth has a thriving capital city is not just good for Harrisburg residents, it’s good for all Pennsylvanians,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “These projects will help spur economic growth for both residents and businesses by strengthening the downtown business corridor, improving transportation and parking options, and building more housing at a time of historic shortages.”
The $22.7 million state commitment anchors a broader pool of investments contributed by local business leaders, non-profits, and municipal governments. Key state allocations include:
$11 Million: Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program (RACP) funding for Harristown Development to convert the office facility at 333 Market Street into a Marriott hotel.
$2.25 Million: Broad Street Market rebuild support.
$2.25 Million: Riverfront Park Corridor improvements, including reilluminating the Walnut Street Bridge and adding new micro-parks.
$1 Million: Revolving loan seed funding managed by CREDC to fuel large-scale downtown business development.
$1 Million: Development of a community health and social services center at Eden Village for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.
$1 Million: Installation of designated bike lanes and protective buffers along Walnut Street.
$995,000: Restoration and upgrades for the Zembo Shrine.
$800,000: Elevator modernization at the East Shore YMCA.
$600,000: Infrastructure support for the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) public transit center.
$600,000: Renovations at the Historic Harrisburg resource center.
$500,000: ADA accessibility improvements at the Harrisburg MLK City Government Center.
$200,000: Vehicle acquisition for Wildheart Ministries’ urban farm operations.
$150,000: City Island master revitalization plan and recreational research.
$125,000: Startup and expansion grants for historically disadvantaged businesses.
$100,000: Support for Harrisburg Realty HRIC housing projects.
$100,000: Small business microgrant funding administered through CREDC.
State officials are also reviewing proposals to lower downtown parking costs and are coordinating with the Harrisburg Police Department to secure equipment and technology upgrades across local emergency and safety services.
