Shapiro Administration Invests $500,000 in Reading, Highlights Importance of Strengthening Our Downtowns With Proposed Main Street Matters Program

Reading, PA – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger was joined by Senator Judy Schwank, Representative Manuel Guzman, Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freyitz, and other local leaders to announce a $500,000 investment by the Commonwealth to the Greater Berks Development Fund (GBDF), an affiliate of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA), to assist Shuman Development Group’s project to refurbish the Trexler Mansion (Elks Club) in downtown Reading.

Today’s announcement emphasizes the commitment by Governor Josh Shapiro and his Administration to strengthening the Commonwealth’s communities and main streets, including $25 million for the proposed Main Street Matters program in the Governor’s 2024-25 budget.

“Governor Shapiro is focused on making strategic investments, like the one we are celebrating here today in downtown Reading, that help our communities and main streets become better places to live, work and visit,” said Secretary Rick Siger. “We’re looking to expand our impact on main streets across Pennsylvania and to empower local leaders to realize the full potential of their economies. That’s why the Governor is calling for $25 million to create the Main Street Matters program to invest in the success and prosperity of small businesses, downtowns, and main streets all across Pennsylvania.”

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