ECRDA News

Sally Guzik, from Meadville, is the new president of a consulting firm, Fourth Economy, working to reinvent Erie. 

You might not expect one of the United States’ most promising business corridors to be in a mid-sized, industrially rooted city — but that’s exactly what Erie, Pennsylvania, is.

In this Great Lakes-side city, companies find all the major-market advantages they need to grow, like revitalized infrastructure, funding resources, and local business support. And it all comes with lower operating costs, reduced competition, and stronger community connections than in major cities located just hours away.

Ironworks Square is filling up fast. It will be months before anyone can move into the 5.5-acre property, but several tenants have already signed leases. That includes a portion of the 70,000-square-foot brick building that's now being renovated.

Erie is emerging as a vibrant business hub, supported by local companies and new ventures. The Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA) has invested over $100 million in the region's business ecosystem, primarily through real estate development and financial support, including low-interest loans and grant programs.

In this Spotlight Q&A, Tina Mengine of the Erie County Redevelopment Authority explains how a clear plan and strong partnerships have driven over $ 1 billion into downtown and sparked renewed confidence.