December 16, 2025 – Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced this week the approval of $70 million through the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) to help improve Pennsylvania communities. The program, which provides tax credits to businesses that contribute to nonprofit organizations’ efforts to revitalize communities, will support 405 projects across the Commonwealth.
“We appreciate the Administration’s ongoing support of our efforts here in Blair County to help revitalize neighborhoods, especially those throughout Altoona’s urban center,” said Stephen McKnight, President and CEO of the Altoona Blair County Development (ABCD) Corporation. “These private contributions will help support various investments such as improvement of streetscapes, signage, facade grants and build management capacity by helping the City hire a Main Street manager; all of which are key objectives outlined in the city’s most recent comprehensive plan,” McKnight added.
Altoona’s NAP award of $522,500 is the first of a six-year program funding period and will be managed through the Greater Altoona Economic Development Corporation (GAEDC) on behalf of the city. Private contributors include M&T Bank, Sheetz, Inc, Blair Image Elements, Curry Supply Holdings, and NPC Companies. “We are fortunate to have such solid private sector partners always at our side. We extend our thanks and appreciation to each of them who stepped up to participate in this important program,” McKnight added. “This is a unique and high impact program that works, especially for smaller communities across the Commonwealth.”
“The Shapiro Administration is committed to strengthening our communities because we know that the entire Commonwealth thrives when our neighborhoods are healthy and vibrant,” said Secretary Siger. “These Neighborhood Assistance Program projects will deliver meaningful benefits for individuals and families, support low-income areas in ways few programs can, and promote the vital public-private partnerships that put communities on a path to fiscal health and long-term prosperity.”
ABOUT NAP
Through the NAP, businesses can receive tax credits of up to 95 percent on contributions they make to a qualifying community project. The NAP has five main components: Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), Special Program Priorities (SPP), the Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP), Charitable Food Program (CFP), and the Enterprise Zone Program (EZP).
ABOUT GAEDC
GAEDC is a private non-profit 501(c)3 certified economic development corporation. The organization works as a catalyst for business expansion and community development within the City of Altoona, Pennsylvania through regional partnerships and the private development community. GAEDC is managed and coordinated by the Altoona Blair County Development (ABCD) Corporation. GAEDC is the sole member of ABCD.
