The Harrisburg Regional Chamber recently hosted Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams for her State of the City address. We’re pleased to share key highlights that demonstrate the Capitol City’s commitment to growth, accountability, and community investment.  Architects have a vested interest in the conversation surrounding the revitalization of the city, the improvement and development of its community spaces, the reuse of vacant properties, and sustainability along the city’s riverfront.

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CITY MOMENTUM: INFRASTRUCTURE & ACCOUNTABILITY

Mayor Williams opened with a clear message of progress. The city has completed 13 street projects and 31 demolitions of blighted buildings while holding negligent property owners accountable for code violations. These actions reflect the administration’s commitment to improving neighborhoods and creating a more attractive environment for businesses and residents.

STRENGTHENING OPERATIONS

Building Services: The Codes Department has enhanced efficiency by bringing residential electric inspections in-house, reducing turnaround times. The department is also expanding capacity with two additional code officers.

Transportation: The city is investing roughly $2 million in traffic calming and improvement measures to enhance walkability and bikeability, including projects on Herr Street and Walnut Street. This focus on pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure supports a vibrant, accessible downtown.

COMMUNITY SPACES & RECREATION

Park renovations at 7th and Radnor Parks and Wilson Park are underway, creating safe spaces for children and employment opportunities for teenagers. Additionally, the Environmental Teen Corps engages young people in community beautification, environmental stewardship, and service initiatives—strengthening both the city’s youth and its neighborhoods.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT

Polyclinic Campus Redevelopment: The city is undertaking its largest redevelopment investment in decades. The Polyclinic mixed-use project will feature 250-300 housing units, an upscale restaurant, café, fitness club, and multicultural grocery store—positioning Harrisburg as a destination for living, dining, and commerce.

Affordable Housing Initiative: The city has released $7 million in affordable housing grants, with 26 applications and funding awarded to 13 developers. New zoning updates are being implemented to further increase affordable housing opportunities. The city is also hiring a deputy planning director to support ongoing planning efforts.  Additionally, $185,000 was allocated to support the unhoused population of Harrisburg and the relocation efforts due to highway construction. 

Business & Transit Focus: The administration is actively enhancing business partnerships, improving rapid transit, and implementing strategies to attract and retain residents.

PUBLIC AMENITIES & ACCESSIBILITY

Recent facility improvements include completed FNB Stadium renovations, the reopened City Island Arcade with free games for families, and $14 million directed toward the long-awaited Broad Street Market reconstruction. ADA accessibility has been strengthened with a new shuttle to City Island and an accessible ramp at the police department lobby.

ORGANIZATIONAL HEALTH

The city has successfully paid off years of legacy debt, demonstrating sound financial management. Administrative modernization efforts have been made to the codes department, improving public access with updated webpages, streamlined application forms, and digitized records.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

The Harrisburg Opportunity Partnership for Employment (HOPE) internship program introduces students to public service careers, while broader workforce development initiatives are bridging gaps between disadvantaged youth and local businesses.

THE VISION AHEAD

Mayor Williams ended her State of the City address with a message of hope and positivity, “Harrisburg is not a city that settles; it is a city that strives…Harrisburg is not defined by its struggles, but by its spirit.”

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AIA PA is a part of the revitalization journey of Pennsylvania’s Capitol city, bringing architects to the table with decision-makers and stakeholders to help build the future of Harrisburg.