Funding

What CRIZ dollars can pay for, who qualifies who qualifies, and how to apply.

Where the money goes

What CRIZ dollars can pay for.

The Erie CRIZ Authority reinvests the tax growth the zone generates into projects inside its boundaries. That funding goes toward three main uses.

Construction

New construction and building renovations on parcels inside the zone.

Property acquisition

Purchasing land and buildings in the zone so a project can get started.

Debt service

Repaying the financing behind larger projects, so they can be built now and paid for over time.

Is your project eligible?

Four steps to CRIZ funding.

Every request is measured the same way. The first two are tests your project has to pass. The last two are approvals, and both are required before any money moves.

  1. Start here

    It sits inside the zone

    The CRIZ covers 130 acres across the Bayfront, State Street and Parade Street. Only projects on parcels inside that boundary can receive CRIZ funding, even if they sit just across the street from it. The Authority currently has over 30 placeholder acres and can use them to place any parcel within the City in the zone.

    Not sure where the line falls? Check an address on the zone map

  2. It fits one of the uses

    The money has to go towards new construction, renovations, site acquisition, infrastructure, debt service or equipment.

  3. The CRIZ board approves it, in public

    The Erie CRIZ Authority board reviews the project at an open meeting, on the record and open to anyone. Board approval is required, but it isn't the final word.

  4. The State gives final approval

    After the board approves it, the project goes to the State for sign-off. Funding moves only once the State approves.

Ready to build?

Bring us the project early.

If your project is in the zone and fits one of the three uses, the next step is a conversation. From there it goes to the board and then the State, and the sooner we start, the more room there is to make the funding fit.

First

Talk to us early

Reach out while your plans can still change. We'll confirm your parcel is in the zone and talk through how CRIZ funding could fit.

Then

The board reviews it in public

The Erie CRIZ Authority board considers the project at an open meeting, on the record.

Finally

The State signs off

After the board approves it, the project goes to the State for final approval.

Plan ahead Up to six months

That's how long approval can take, so talk to us before your plans are final.

Still have questions?

Funding, answered.

The money has to go towards new construction, renovations, site acquisition, infrastructure, debt service or equipment.

  • ConstructionNew construction and building renovations on parcels inside the zone.
  • Site acquisitionBuying land and buildings in the zone so a project can get started.
  • Infrastructure and equipmentInfrastructure and equipment tied to a project are eligible, and both are a real strength of the program.
  • Debt serviceRepaying the financing behind larger projects, so they can be built now and paid for over time.
Check eligibility → Partner with us →

It can be either, or a tax increment credit. Money reaches projects in the zone through all three.

  • Three ways to fundGrants, loans and tax increment credits are all tools the Authority uses.
  • Decided in publicThe board approves funding at an open meeting, and the State signs off.
  • Start earlyThe sooner we talk, the more room there is to shape the funding around the project.
Partner with us → Board meetings →

It may still be eligible. The Authority currently has over 30 placeholder acres and can use them to place any parcel within the City in the zone.

  • It's parcel by parcelThe zone follows specific properties, so a neighbor on the same block may not be included.
  • Check before you planLook up the address on the zone map before plans go too far.
  • Not sure?Email info@eriecriz.org with your address and we'll tell you where it stands.
See the zone map → Email us →

Up to six months. A project goes to the Erie CRIZ Authority board first, then to the State.

  • Talk to us firstWe'll confirm the parcel is in the zone and talk through how funding could fit.
  • Board reviewThe board considers the project at an open meeting, on the record.
  • State sign-offFinal approval comes from the State after the board approves.
Partner with us → Board meetings →

Two approvals are needed. The Erie CRIZ Authority board votes first, in public, and the State gives final approval.

  • Open meetingsFunding decisions happen at board meetings anyone can attend.
  • Agendas and minutesEvery meeting's agenda and minutes are posted for the public.
  • The State has the final sayA project approved by the board still needs State approval before any funding moves.
Board meetings → Open records →

From growth. Eligible taxes paid in the zone above the 2024 baseline come back to Erie once a year.

  • No new taxBusinesses in the zone pay the same taxes they always have.
  • Only growth countsRevenue up to the 2024 baseline still goes to the state and city as usual.
  • Paid once a yearCertified funds reach the Erie CRIZ Authority in November or December each year.
Follow a tax dollar → Read the insights →