Economic Development
Economic Development
Berks County is open for business ,and we are here to help. From the continuous work on the implementation of the IMAGINE Berks Strategic Economic Development Action Plan to the recent adoption of the Growing Berks Agricultural Impact Study, we work in collaboration with various community partners to advance the Berks County economy.
We know you want to be located in a community that cares about its residents, its businesses ,and its future. Learn more about the departments who play a role in economic and community development below: The Berks County Department of Agriculture, Berks County Planning Commission, Berks County Redevelopment Authority, and the Berks County Workforce Development Board.
South Central PA Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2023-2028 (CEDS)
The County of Berks is part of the South Central PA Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) 2023-2028. The CEDS is a guide to understanding and improving the economy of the South Central Pennsylvania region. FINAL SCPA CEDS - DIGITAL RFS.pdf
Economic Development Departments
Learn about the various efforts and resources to help promote agriculture throughout Berks.
The Planning Commission provides a regional blueprint for land use, transportation and community facilities.
The authority utilizes available funding for community redevelopment and housing rehabilitation.
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. For more information regarding this program, please contact our office here.
Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA)
This tax abatement program offsets the increased tax assessment on new and renovated buildings and projects. To apply for LERTA, please fill out County of Berks Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Application.pdf and follow the instructions on the form.
The updated policy can be found linked here: LERTA Policy 2023
For more information on LERTA, please contact our here.
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. With the recent expansion of the program, multi-family housing projects can now be eligible to apply, see program guidelines for more information. Information for this program can be found at: Berks County C-PACE program