DCED Newsletter | April 2026

This April, Pennsylvania built stronger global business connections, accelerated downtown revitalization and housing development, and continued preparing to welcome the world for major 2026 sporting events and celebrations across the Commonwealth.

Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro welcomed the King and Queen of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Pennsylvania. The trip to Philadelphia was a celebration of the strong economic and historical ties between Pennsylvania and the Netherlands. During the visit, US Little Leaf Farms unveiled a contract to work with Dutch VB Greenhouses BV to expand operations in Carbon County to officially become the largest leafy greens campus in the world.

Pennsylvania has seen over $41 billion in private-sector investments and nearly 23,000 new jobs since Governor Shapiro took office in 2023. Pennsylvania’s manufacturing industry got a boost with 78 new jobs and a $10.9 million investment from John Brothers Holdings to expand their wood components manufacturing in Union County. Health and wellness products manufacturer, Premier Brands of America, invested $15 million in its first manufacturing facility in Lackawanna County, adding 58 new jobs. WebFX, a digital marketing agency, invested $10.7 million to expand operations, creating 100 new tech jobs and renovating the historic Tracy Mansion in Harrisburg. The Shapiro Administration invested more than $4.3 million through new PIDA loans to spur business growth and job creation in five counties.

Revitalization efforts are blossoming this month. Arts Landing — a new four-acre, $31 million outdoor civic space in Downtown Pittsburgh — opened just as Pittsburgh prepared to host hundreds of thousands of visitors across the street at Point State Park for the 2026 NFL Draft. Nearby, Market Square got a $15 million redesign that upgraded infrastructure, improved pedestrian pathways, enhanced lighting, expanded outdoor dining areas, new seating, and a new central pavilion which will serve as a flexible focal point for year-round programming.

In Downtown Greensburg, the former First Commonwealth Bank building may be redeveloped as housing for students, seniors, and professionals. Under current projections, Pennsylvania will face a shortage of roughly 185,000 homes by 2035 without further action. Innovative solutions that repurpose existing buildings will be critical to help increase housing supply.

This year brings major celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary. As we gear up for these historic summer events, Governor Shapiro has made several major announcements including unveiling three free 2026 FIFA World Cup Fan Zones in Reading, Scranton, and Pittsburgh, so fans can experience the action across the Commonwealth. He also launched the Visit PA Playmakers, Pennsylvania’s official 2026 welcome committee that’s ready to meet visitors from around the world at some of the Commonwealth’s largest events.

By leveraging global sporting and cultural moments, including the NFL Draft, the PGA Championship, the FIFA World Cup, America250PA, and the MLB All-Star Game, this people-powered initiative by Visit PA will turn major events into immersive experiences to drive interest in Pennsylvania, encourage visitors to come back for future trips, and spur statewide economic impact.

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 Open through April 30, 2026