pennsylvania attracts Billions in Investment, Leads Economic Revival Through Streamlined Government
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Pennsylvania is experiencing a surge in economic growth, fueled by a strategic overhaul of its regulatory and permitting processes. According to the Pennsylvania Office of Change and Possibility’s (OTO) 2025 Impact Report, the state has attracted billions in private investment – including the largest private-sector investment in its history – and supported over 300 companies through initiatives designed to accelerate business advancement.
Shapiro governance Prioritizes “Speed of Business”
Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration has made a concerted effort to improve the state’s business climate, focusing on efficiency and transparency. “From day one, we’ve focused on making Pennsylvania more competitive and ensuring government moves at the speed of business – and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” explained Ben Kirshner, OTO’s Chief Transformation Officer.
PA permit Fast Track program Accelerates Development
The OTO’s PA Permit Fast Track Program,established under Executive Order 2024-04,is central to the state’s success. The program brings together project sponsors and relevant permitting agencies early in the development process to proactively address potential issues and coordinate reviews. Currently, the Fast Track portfolio includes seven major projects representing billions in potential private investment, with eight additional projects actively being engaged.
The program’s impact is already evident. Such as, Century Development in Lackawanna County completed five required permits 18 months ahead of schedule, thanks to streamlined processes and a $6 million PA SITES investment. Similarly,Kulp Dairy farm in Blair County received its permit four months ahead of schedule,enabling the farm to expand operations and create local jobs.
Data-Driven Transparency and Accountability
Beyond the Fast Track program, OTO has implemented data-driven initiatives to enhance transparency and accountability. The Commonwealth’s first Permits, Licenses, and Certifications (PLC) Catalog allows agencies to track performance, identify bottlenecks, and improve customer service. This approach underpins PAyback, Pennsylvania’s first-in-the-nation online money-back guarantee for delayed permits.
As its launch in 2023, PAyback has processed over 40 million applications with only five refunds issued, demonstrating a significant enhancement in agency performance. This success has positioned Pennsylvania as a national leader in permitting reform, with Governor Shapiro co-leading a bipartisan federal permit reform working group with Oklahoma Governor Kevin stitt.
Pennsylvania’s Rising Economic Standing
The Shapiro Administration’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. According to analysis by Moody’s Analytics, Pennsylvania is the only state in the Northeast with a growing economy. Area Development ranked Pennsylvania among the top 20 “Best States for Business” – the sole northeastern state to achieve this recognition – and placed the Commonwealth in the top 10 for “Site Readiness Programs.” Site Selection Magazine has also recognized Pennsylvania as having one of the top business climates in the nation, ranking the Commonwealth 11th in the 2025 Business Climate Rankings, a seven-spot improvement from the previous year.
The largest private-sector investment in Commonwealth history, Amazon’s initial $20 billion investment to build new AI and cloud computing campuses, is a testament to Pennsylvania’s growing appeal. This investment is expected to generate thousands of high-tech and construction jobs. The Governor has also launched Pennsylvania’s first comprehensive economic development strategy in nearly two decades,eliminated a backlog of 2,400 DEP permits,and invested heavily in site readiness and small business support.
The 2025 Impact report underscores the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to delivering faster government, stronger communities, and a resilient economy for all Pennsylvanians. By prioritizing businesses, streamlining permitting, and ensuring transparency, Pennsylvania is poised for continued economic success.
Learn more about the Shapiro administration’s work to support Pennsylvania’s workers and businesses and spur the economy, and discover how the Administration is creating economic opportunity to build a stronger, more competitive economy for all Pennsylvanians.
