DCED Newsletter | May 2026

In May, Pennsylvania earned national and international attention with the NFL Draft, a business win at the SelectUSA Investment Summit, and major investments in high-speed internet, community revitalization, and more.

During the 2026 NFL Draft, the Shapiro Administration leveraged the national spotlight to showcase Pennsylvania as a premier destination for businesses and investors. Governor Josh Shapiro, top administration officials, and the BusinessPA team met with site selectors, business leaders, and economic development professionals to discuss the Commonwealth’s business-friendly climate and show why Pennsylvania is the only Northeast state with a growing economy. Outreach activities included company tours in Pittsburgh and a special CEO roundtable.

In 2026, Pennsylvania hosted several major events drawing national and international visitors, including the PGA Championship this month, the NFL Draft in April, and the NCAA’s March Madness. Upcoming events for the remainder of the year include the FIFA World Cup, NASCAR’s Great American Getaway 400, America250PA celebrations, and MLB All-Star Week. 

The Shapiro Administration continues to advance Pennsylvania’s Housing Action Plan with official opening celebrations for new housing in Harrisburg and Erie. Governor Shapiro announced a $10 million investment build more affordable housing across Pennsylvania through a new Mixed-Use Housing Development Pilot Program. His 2026-27 budget proposal calls for a $1 billion investment in a new Critical Infrastructure Investment Fund to accelerate construction of housing and other critical infrastructure.   

Governor Shapiro announced the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) executed an agreement with the Commonwealth to deploy $711 million in BEAD grants to connect all Pennsylvanians to high-speed internet. To support community funding projects to enhance financial stability, the Shapiro Administration granted $2.3 million to local governments through the Strategic Management Planning (STMP) Program. And DCED staff joined a tour in Clarion to celebrate the revitalization of Freedom Flame Park, which received support through the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP).

Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry saw activity blooming this month with Governor Shapiro securing a $3.8 million investment from food manufacturer Bonduelle Americas to open its new U.S. Growth Hub in Philadelphia and create more than 100 jobs. Vylor, an advanced seed and genetics company, also committed to a $7 million investment to open its new Global Corporate Business Center and create at least 130 new jobs. 

DCED Secretary Rick Siger joined local elected officials and company executives from TerraPower Isotopes to break ground on their new manufacturing facility to develop cancer-fighting drugs in Philadelphia’s Bellwether District. At the SelectUSA Investment Summit, French-owned life sciences company CTI Biotech announced plans to establish their North American headquarters in Philadelphia.

Governor Shapiro proclaimed the first week of May to be Pennsylvania Small Business Week, a time to celebrate the 1.2 million small businesses that power Pennsylvania’s economy. DCED celebrated with an official kick-off in downtown Lewistown, where Secretary Siger met with the owners and employees of several local businesses.

Throughout the month, the Shapiro Administration announced several major awards to support businesses and students. The Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) Tax Credit Program awarded 104 companies with more than $7.6 million in tax credits to support growing companies at all stages of growth. Manufacturers in Bucks and Westmoreland counties received $3.4 million in low-interest loans through the PA Industrial Development Authority. To boost enrollment in apprenticeships, 13 new grants were announced through the Foundations in Industry (FIT) Program, and 10 grants were issued through the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career (MTTC) Program.

Want to see the good news from your community featured on our social media channels or in our next newsletter? Let us know what’s happening in your area! Whether a new investment, business expansion, or community development, we’re here to help you celebrate. Send your updates (and a link to a news story, blog, or press release) to the DCED Communications Office.