Economic Development

Economic Development

 Cover of the IMAGINE Berks Action PlanBerks County is open for business and we are here to help. In fact, we are so committed to growing our economy and  guiding our future that we've just launched our new strategic economic development action plan, IMAGINE Berks. 

We know you want to be located in a community that cares about its residents, its businesses and its future. With IMAGINE Berks, we will put our plans and dreams for our community into real actions throughout the next five years. Check out www.ImagineBerks.org or click on the image to the right to view the plan and learn more.   


     

CEDS Public Comment Period

The County of Berks is asking residents to provide feedback to the South Central PA Regional Steering Committee about its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) 2023-2028 draft. The CEDS is a guide to understanding and improving the economy of the South Central Pennsylvania region. 

View the CEDS report >


Public comment will be accepted until March 17, 2023. Take the survey >   

 Economic Development Departments

Department of Agriculture

Learn about the various efforts and resources to help promote agriculture throughout Berks.  

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission provides a regional blueprint for land use, transportation and community facilities. 

Redevelopment Authority

The authority utilizes available funding for community redevelopment and housing rehabilitation. 

Workforce Development Board

Learn about efforts to build a skilled and competitive workforce to boost economic development.

Local Incentives

     

 Joint Economic Approval Process (JEAP)

We bring the key decision-makers together to help coordinate your project review and approvals. An application for this program can be found here.

 Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA)

This tax abatement program offsets the increased tax assessment on new and renovated buildings and projects.  Use the map below to determine if your property is part of an existing LERTA-approved area. 

 Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE)

This is a financial tool for property owners to obtain low-cost, long-term financing for energy efficient equipment, renewable energy, and water conservation projects.  Up to 100% of funding for the project costs can be facilitated by a special voluntary assessment.  More information about this program can be found at:  Berks County C-PACE program 


These are just a few of the programs which can help make opening, relocating or expanding your business to Berks County the right move.

Contact us today to learn more about our community and our commitment to helping business thrive.

Director of Community and Economic Development

Pam is a regional leader in Economic Development and a Berks County native. She has a broad background in housing, community, and economic development and can help you make all the best connections.

Pam can be reached at 610-478-6136 x6114.

Economic Development Coordinator

Derek is a master of local economic data sources and collaboration.  He can navigate its complexities so that you don't have to.  Need someone to help connect those policy and data dots, contact Derek.

Derek can be reached at 610-478-3163 x6126