The Reading CRIZ Board Authority Wednesday hosted a CRIZ Launch & Learn event, bringing together local businesses, developers, property owners, and community partners to provide an overview of how the City Revitalization Improvement Zone (CRIZ) program will support continued investment and growth across Reading.
Held at Alvernia’s John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne, the in-person session focused on educating stakeholders about how the CRIZ program functions, who qualifies, and how eligible projects can leverage reinvested state tax revenues generated within the zone to drive redevelopment and economic activity.
Mayor Eddie Morán emphasized that while Reading’s CRIZ designation is already in place, the event was designed to ensure clarity, transparency, and accessibility for the community.
“Today is an important step for the City of Reading as we continue building on the progress happening across our community,” said Mayor Morán. “The designation alone doesn’t create change. Understanding how to leverage it does. This event is about making sure our business community and development partners know how to use this powerful tool effectively.”
The CRIZ program allows certain state tax revenues generated within the designated zone to be reinvested back into local development projects. This financing tool can support the redevelopment of vacant and underutilized properties, encourage business expansion, stimulate housing growth, and attract new private investment — all while strengthening existing neighborhoods.
Mayor Morán also thanked members of the CRIZ Board Authority for their willingness to serve and for providing the oversight, accountability, and long-term vision required to implement the program responsibly. He further acknowledged Alvernia University for hosting the event and for its continued partnership in advancing downtown revitalization and economic development initiatives.
The event featured breakout learning sessions for key stakeholder groups, offering practical guidance on project structuring, eligibility requirements, and available incentives. City leaders and industry experts led discussions aimed at aligning CRIZ opportunities with Reading’s broader economic development strategy.
“We are already seeing momentum across Reading with new housing, institutional investment, and small business growth,” Mayor Morán added. “CRIZ is another tool that helps us accelerate that momentum in a thoughtful and intentional way, with growth that benefits our residents, supports local entrepreneurs, strengthens our tax base, and improves quality of life across our city.”
The Reading CRIZ Board Authority and the City will continue working collaboratively to provide guidance and information as projects within the CRIZ zone move forward.
For additional information about the CRIZ program, visit ReadingPA.gov/City-Revitalization-and-Improvement-Zone-Authority
