Harrisburg, Pennsylvania — An Economic Profile

LETTER OF WELCOME

Harrisburg Means Business!

At a time when many urban centers are in a state of continuing decline, congested suburbs are fighting further growth, and rural areas deal with open space preservation, transportation and infrastructure obstacles, the City of Harrisburg has led the way in smart growth and renewal of a vitally important urban core community. Harrisburg’s now proven vitality, strategic location and investment incentives are an economic success story in which there is plenty of room for additional new commercial, industrial and residential growth.

Contrasting its 1981 status as the second most distressed city in the nation, Harrisburg has undergone a dramatic economic resurgence since, with over $2.65 billion in new investment now realized. Major net gains in the number of businesses, private sector jobs and livable homes have reversed three decades of previous decline. Property values have significantly increased ten fold while the crime, fire, vacant property and unemployment rates have sharply dropped.

Harrisburg has won the top community awards in the state and nation for its dramatic and comprehensive gains. Twice selected as an All America City by the National Civic League, the City of Harrisburg has also been recognized within its own state borders by the state Chamber of Business and Industry as Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Community, and is the only northeastern U.S. city to receive both distinguished awards. The city has also won and maintained the nation’s top governmental accounting and budgeting awards, national police accreditation, and many top environmental, social and historical preservation awards.

Harrisburg is now the region’s center for finance, transportation, commerce, recreation, special events, entertainment, history, arts and government. It additionally provides services to dozens of surrounding communities, including water supply, solid waste disposal and wastewater treatment. Its infrastructure has undergone substantial improvement in the past decade, allowing for affordable, accessible and reliable services to business, industry and residents.

Rich in the history that helped shape both the nation and its sixth largest state, Harrisburg has been the capital city of Pennsylvania since 1812 and the seat of Dauphin County since 1785. Harrisburg offers new and existing businesses and industries a strong work ethic, progressive business growth policies and a community committed to steadily enhancing its civic amenities, events, parks, recreation and the arts.

This Profile is but a snapshot of a dramatically revitalized urban center poised to fully embrace the challenges and opportunities of this 21st Century with vision, confidence and vigor. We invite you to be part of Harrisburg’s continuing national leadership and friendly economic development climate.

Call us today for details on how your business can grow along with Harrisburg!

Yours sincerely,

Stephen R. Reed
Mayor