On May 28, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner and U.S. Representative Mike Kelly visited downtown Erie, Pennsylvania, to tour its Opportunity Zones and housing initiatives. They were joined by U.S. Senator John Fetterman for updates on the projects as Congress considers extending and expanding related legislation.
“Erie is a model of how Opportunity Zones can revitalize communities,” said Secretary Turner. He emphasized the area’s growth in businesses and housing development due to these zones, crediting cooperation among various government levels with private sectors.
Representative Kelly highlighted the impact of Opportunity Zones on job creation and affordable housing in Erie, noting their contribution to the local economy. “Secretary Turner’s visit puts Western Pennsylvania front and center in Washington,” he stated.
Secretary Turner and Representative Kelly were key figures in establishing Opportunity Zones under the 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act. Downtown Erie is noted for its leadership in this legislation.
In April, along with Senator Tim Scott, they published an op-ed advocating for extending these zones’ legislation.
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