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Community & Economic Development

The Berks County Community and Economic Development department, following the guidance of the IMAGINE Berks Strategic Economic Development Action Plan, plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth and community development.

Economic Development Website
Economic Development
BC Community and Economic Development
Community & Economic Development

Fostering the Community’s Growth

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. Good jobs, housing choices, access to local foods, open space and recreation are key factors cited in what makes Berks County a great community. So, providing spaces that support this means we need to plan for growth, but not just any growth, Smart Growth.

Learn more about the departments that 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.

Economic Development Website

Economic Development Tools

Commercial 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 

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)

LERTA applies tax abatement to the value of the increase in property tax assessment due to property rehabilitation or new construction. To apply for a County LERTA, please fill out County of Berks Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Application and follow the instructions on the form.  NOTE:  The LERTA process begins with the municipality in which the project is located.

The County LERTA policy can be found linked here: LERTA Policy

For more information or questions about LERTA, please contact us here.

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From the Berks County Community and Economic Development Department