Governor Shapiro's Strategy Boosts PA Economy with $25B Investment

Governor Shapiro is making waves in Pennsylvania with his strategic approach, which has led to over $25 billion in private investments, the creation of nearly 11,000 new jobs, and a top ranking for AI adoption. These efforts streamline project permitting and place the Commonwealth at the forefront of innovation and energy.

Recently, the Shapiro Administration announced a groundbreaking investment from Amazon, totaling $20 billion, to establish AI and cloud computing facilities. This initiative is set to create numerous high-tech and construction jobs.

The state's economic achievements and energy initiatives were highlighted at the recent Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh, PA — Pennsylvania, under Governor Josh Shapiro, is setting a national benchmark for economic growth and innovation, driving investment and opportunities across the state.

Governor Shapiro has prioritized economic development from the start, launching Pennsylvania's first Economic Development Strategy in nearly 20 years. This effort has led to significant investments in site development, small businesses, and expedited permitting processes.

Securing Investments and Economic Growth

Thanks to these initiatives, the Shapiro Administration has achieved over $25.2 billion in private investments and created nearly 11,000 jobs, transforming communities across Pennsylvania.

The highlight came in June when Amazon committed a $20 billion investment in the state, marking the largest private sector investment in Pennsylvania's history. This initiative will generate at least 1,250 high-paying tech jobs and numerous construction roles, cementing Pennsylvania's status as a leader in AI and advanced computing.

Developing Shovel-Ready Sites

Governor Shapiro's Economic Development Strategy also focuses on overcoming the challenge of ready-to-develop sites. The PA SITES program has been introduced, securing $500 million for site development, including $400 million specifically for this program, to address this crucial need.

In May, the Governor awarded the first round of PA SITES funding, dedicating $64 million to 11 projects, creating shovel-ready sites to attract businesses and foster job creation. The overwhelming demand for funding underscores the importance of these investments for Pennsylvania's communities.

Streamlining Permits and Fostering Business Growth

Governor Shapiro has prioritized cutting bureaucratic delays, ensuring businesses can invest with certainty. The introduction of the PA Permit Fast Track Program and the Office of Transformation and Opportunity has improved permit processing efficiency.

Improvements are evident as the Department of State reduced business filing times and the Department of Environmental Protection significantly cut its permit backlog, demonstrating the effectiveness of these reforms.

AI Leadership and Workforce Innovation

Pennsylvania has become a front-runner in AI readiness, ranking among the top states. The state’s comprehensive policies and AI initiatives have been recognized, underscoring its leadership in responsible AI adoption.

Governor Shapiro's Executive Order 2023-19 established a Generative AI Governing Board, emphasizing transparency and fairness in AI usage. Collaborations with Carnegie Mellon University and other institutions aim to enhance AI literacy among state employees.

A pilot program involving 175 employees across 14 agencies using OpenAI's ChatGPT Enterprise reported positive outcomes, with significant time savings, highlighting the potential of AI in state operations.

Energy Strategy and Economic Resilience

The Lightning Plan, Governor Shapiro’s energy strategy, aims to bolster Pennsylvania’s energy leadership by increasing in-state power generation and reducing utility costs. Supported by diverse stakeholders, this plan is set to create jobs and fortify the state’s energy infrastructure.

By influencing regional grid policies, Pennsylvania has already achieved substantial utility savings for consumers, showcasing the success of the state's energy reforms.