Every fall BerksIDA staff, board members and County leadership meet to 1) review the previous year, 2) set strategy for the upcoming year and 3) turn it into an action plan for the upcoming year. In November BerksIDA officially adopted its 2025 plan. Below are some highlights to watch out for in the new year:
- Berks Park 183 – only the three smallest, hardest to develop lots remain at our Airport-adjacent industrial park. For 2025, BerksIDA plans to fully entitle the three lots and start work to make them pad-ready.
- Glidden – in partnership with Shuman Development Group, BerksIDA is in the process of acquiring and remediating the 20 acre site in the heart of Reading and adjacent to Baseballtown. Expect to hear more late 2025.
- Infrastructure loan fund – After a nearly three-year effort, the Commissioners officially adopted the $5M Infrastructure loan fund on Dec. 19 to create a loan program that supports infrastructure development in Berks County. 2025 will bring the active promotion and use of this fund to bring new projects to Berks County.
- Amity TIF – BerksIDA expects to close soon on tax increment financing in Amity Township that will support the construction of 340 new homes and generate over $2M in new annual property taxes for Berks County upon completion.
- We will continue to offer financing programs and find ways to collaborate with similar organizations throughout the County – go to our website to learn about our current financing programs!
- Boost Berks County’s reputation in the State for RACP grant success. Read more about RACP below.
- Spread the news about BerksIDA – we need your help on this one. BerksIDA has a 2-person staff augmented by an incredible board and numerous professional service providers. There are businesses and projects in the County that BerksIDA can support if they only knew about IDA services. Please continue to support BerksIDA by directing people to our website and staff.
Happy holidays from all here at BerksIDA. Raise a glass to 2025!