What is the CRIZ Authority?
A state economic development initiative in the City of Erie. It allows certain state and local taxes generated within the Erie CRIZ Zone to be reinvested into that same area to support growth and development.
How it works
City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ)
The Erie City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) is a state program that encourages economic development in the City of Erie. The CRIZ Zone consists of 130 acres in select areas of the City. A portion of state and local taxes generated by businesses in the Zone are redirected to the Erie CRIZ Authority. These funds are then used to support the following types of economic development initiatives in the Zone:
Project Funding Guidelines
Developers seeking financial assistance from the CRIZ must apply to the Authority. The application process takes approximately 6 months and includes the following stages:
Qualification Stage
In this stage, a review of a proposed Project is completed by the staff of the Authority to determine if the Project meets the basic criteria and statutory requirements to receive CRIZ financial assistance. If staff establishes that the Project does meet the basic criteria and statutory requirements, the Project will be submitted to the Authority's Development Committee ("DC") to determine if a full application will be requested by the DC.
Application Stage
In this stage, if the DC requests a full application, a formal application for CRIZ financial assistance is prepared and submitted by the Applicant for review and approval by the Authority.
Commonwealth Review and Approval Stage
If approved by the CRIZ Authority, the application shall be submitted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (the "Commonwealth") for review and approval. Click Here for the Commonwealth's Project Criteria.
Funding Stage
Once approved by the Commonwealth, this stage includes preparation of a formal funding contract (the "Funding Contract") between the Applicant and the Authority outlining the responsibilities of both parties and how CRIZ revenues will be disbursed to the Applicant.
Is Your Business In The CRIZ?
Free Tax Reporting Resources For Businesses In The CRIZ
On an annual basis, businesses within the CRIZ are required to report certain taxes paid to state and local agencies. Reporting is done on a cash basis and must be filed by June 15 each year for the preceding calendar year. A penalty applies for failure to file.
A packet describing the reporting requirements for businesses and contractors and containing a list of applicable state and local taxes can be downloaded here. Free assistance with the reporting requirements is available through the CRIZ. For assistance email us, call or text (484) 951-1289 for an appointment. For a description of what is due and what to bring to the appointment, download this reporting information card. Businesses that wish to file the forms themselves can do so below:
Erie CRIZ Reporting Materials 2024
About Us
The CRIZ is overseen and managed by the Erie CRIZ Authority. The Authority meets on the 3rd Wednesday of
the month at 3 p.m. at 100 State Street, Suite 700, Erie, PA 16507.
Contact Us
- 100 State Street,
Suite 700,
Erie, PA 16507
