DCED Newsletter | February 2026

February was about aligning investment with action, and strategy with results. From a proposed budget focused on competitiveness to historic private-sector investments and a first-ever Housing Action Plan, Pennsylvania is building for long-term growth across every region.

Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026–27 budget doubles down on Pennsylvania’s economic momentum — building on the Ten-Year Economic Development Strategy that has already secured $40.4 billion in private investment and 22,424 new jobs over the past three years.

Following his budget address, the Governor unveiled Pennsylvania’s first-ever Housing Action Plan — a statewide roadmap to increase housing supply, improve affordability, and stabilize housing outcomes.

The budget supports that plan with:

Together, this budget and Housing Action Plan align investment and reform — building more homes, lowering costs, and positioning communities to compete.

Pennsylvania continues to win in high-growth industries.

Eli Lilly and Company is investing $3.5 billion in Lehigh County — creating 850 new jobs and strengthening the region’s life sciences ecosystem. Johnson & Johnson is investing more than $1 billion in Montgomery County to build a next-generation cancer-fighting manufacturing facility, creating over 500 new jobs. Meanwhile, nearly $3 million in PIDA loans will support expanding businesses in Dauphin, Lehigh, and Northampton counties.

These wins send a clear message that Pennsylvania is a place where companies scale — and workers succeed.

Growth requires a strong foundation — and Pennsylvania is building it.

The proposed $1 billion Pennsylvania Program for Critical Infrastructure Investment will support transformative projects, from energy generation and housing to schools and municipal facilities.

To build the workforce behind that infrastructure, the Shapiro Administration is investing $3 million to expand the Steamfitters Local Union 420 Training Center apprenticeship program in Philadelphia — creating more pathways into high-demand careers.

Pennsylvania is also directing nearly $53 million toward rail infrastructure projects, modernizing networks that connect workers, businesses, and markets.

Pennsylvania’s quality of life — and economic energy — are reaching a global audience.

New tourism ads are appearing from the Arc de Triomphe in Paris to Frankfurt Airport, promoting Pennsylvania ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026^TM — hosted this year in Philadelphia. The Administration is also investing nearly $5 million to support sporting events of in communities statewide. A $34 million investment in two major television series is projected to create nearly 3,500 jobs, strengthening Pennsylvania’s growing film and creative economy. And seven Pennsylvania hospitals ranked among Healthgrades’ Top 50 in America for 2026 — underscoring the Commonwealth’s strength in health care.

From global events to film production to world-class care, Pennsylvania offers the quality of life that attracts talent, visitors, and investment.