Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Executive Deputy Secretary Mike Hanna Jr., along with Senator Judy Schwank, Representative Johannie Cepeda Freitis, Wyomissing Mayor Fred Levering and other local leaders, toured Wyomissing small businesses Thursday morning and explained Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed investments in Main Street, the Downtown Business District, small businesses and the community.
Governor Shapiro and his Administration are committed to strengthening Pennsylvania’s communities and Main Streets through initiatives such as the $25 million “Main Street Matters” program included in the Governor’s 2024-25 budget proposal.
“We need a vibrant downtown to attract residents, tourists and businesses and ensure our local economy thrives.” Deputy Executive Director Mike Hanna said: “That’s why Governor Shapiro is calling for a $25 million investment in a new Main Street Matters program that will improve the quality of life in our communities and provide the resources we need to make our main streets and business districts better places to live, visit and work.”
“There are many exciting opportunities to make meaningful and bold investments in Berks County’s Main Streets.” Senator Judy Schwank said: “The Shapiro Administration is committed to maximizing our state’s potential with an economic vision that focuses on small businesses, the heart of our communities. Main Street Matters is a tool that can be put to good use in Wyomissing and beyond, and I will work with Governor Shapiro to fight to include this plan in the next budget.”
“Investing in Main Street Matters programs is so important to communities like Wyomissing. It’s not just about revitalizing buildings; it’s about bringing hope, opportunity and pride back to our town centers. I will continue to be a strong supporter of investing in our communities.” Councillor Johanne Cepeda-Flaitis said: “These investments will bring vitality back to our community, creating vibrant spaces where local businesses can thrive and families can gather and make memories. This is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a testament to our commitment to the prosperity and well-being of all Wyomissing residents.”
During their visit to Wyomissing, Lt. Secretary Hanna and state and local leaders toured The Block at Wyomissing Square and The Knitting Mills complex and met with owners and employees of Vintner’s Table, Club Pilates, Kinya Ramen, Sly Fox Brewing Company and Kimberton Whole Foods Market.
“People tend to think of the borough as a great residential area, but it’s the commercial district that’s really bringing in the revenue.” Wyomissing Mayor Fred Levering said. “Programs like Main Street Matters go a long way to making that happen.”
“The Main Street Matters program aligns perfectly with the Borough of Wyomissing’s focus on prioritizing economic development and encouraging small business owners.” Wyomissing Borough President Michelle Baer said: “Successful local businesses increase property values, generate strong tax revenues and provide Wyomissing residents with abundant options for dining, shopping and personal care.”
Governor Shapiro and Secretary Segar recently announced nearly $7 million in Keystone Community Grant funding to support 49 community improvement projects in 25 counties across the state. The program received 117 applications seeking more than $24 million in funding, demonstrating the state’s need to further invest in the growth and stability of neighborhoods, Main Streets and downtown areas so Pennsylvania communities and their residents can thrive.
The Governor’s proposed Main Street Matters program, administered through DCED, would build on the success of the current Keystone Communities program, which supports downtowns, Main Streets, and surrounding areas. The program aims to revamp its current structure to address the diverse needs of communities across the board and invest in their revitalization and future prosperity.
The Governor’s 2024-25 budget calls for significant investments directly tied to Pennsylvania’s economic development strategy for the first time in nearly two decades. In addition to $25 million to create the Main Street Matters program, other economic development investments proposed in the Governor’s budget include $500 million in PA SITES funding to attract more commercial and industrial sites to Pennsylvania, $20 million to support large-scale innovation and leverage Pennsylvania’s best-in-class research and development assets, and $3.5 million to create and launch the Pennsylvania Regional Economic Competitiveness Challenge to encourage regional growth.
