Latest news with #PennsylvaniaDepartmentofCommunity&EconomicDevelopment
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
How do I register to vote in PA primary elections? What is on the ballot in Bucks County?
Pennsylvanians have until May 5 to register to vote ahead of the primary election May 20, when Keystone State residents will make party-level decisions about who will stand in November to lead in their school districts and local communities. There are a number of options for people who want to sign up last-minute, with the state allowing registration online, by mail and in person at various county and state government offices. You can fill out a voter registration application online or print it out and mail it to your county elections office. Addresses for these offices are provided on the paper application. If you'd rather register in person, you can do so at your county election office, a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation office or a range of other state offices listed online. To be eligible for registration, you must be at least 18 years old by election day and a United States citizen. You must also be a Pennsylvania resident and have lived in the community where you want to vote for at least 30 days before the election. The Bucks County Board of Elections website has information on all the information voters need ahead of the May 20 primary, including how to register to vote, find a polling place and apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot. Voters can also for similar services, including looking up your voter registration status to make sure you can vote in the primary. May 5 is the final day to register to vote in time for the primary and the last day to apply for a mail ballot is May 13. Polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 20. All municipalities will have at least one candidate up for election, typically supervisors for townships and council members for boroughs, according to a list of term dates on the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development's municipal statistics website. Almost every borough in Bucks County will also have a mayoral race this year. Quakertown has what is called a 'council-manager' form of government and doesn't have a mayor, according to the borough's website. Four-year terms for Bucks County controller, district attorney, prothonotary, recorder of deeds and sheriff are also to be on the ballot this year. A review of the school district websites and term limits from past election results suggest that all of the 13 school districts in Bucks County have at least four school board seats on the ballot this year. This municipal election is also to have voters choose to fill vacant seats or retain judges at different levels, according to information from the Pennsylvania Department of State. Positions on the Commonwealth and Superior courts and on local school boards are up for grabs. There are four vacancies and and two retention elections for the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas; one vacancy and one retention for both the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court and Superior Court; and three retention elections for Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Tax collector races are also to take place this year for almost all municipalities, in addition to various auditor races. Primary elections in Pennsylvania are mainly for choosing a nominee for the Republican and Democratic parties for the upcoming election, which takes place this year on Nov. 4. While voters aren't deciding who will hold office, it is possible for one candidate to win the ballot spot on both parties and become the presumptive winner barring victory from a write-in or third-party challenger. In some races, such as for school boards and judges, candidates can 'cross-file' as both a Republican and a Democrat. The deadline for primary voters to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is May 13. These mail ballots must be returned to the county elections offices by Election Day, May 20. Some Bucks County voters need to be aware of changes to their polling place location. People who miss the primary registration deadline can still sign up to vote in this year's general election Nov. 4. Voter registration head of the fall election closes Oct. 20, according to state officials. Chris Ullery contributed to this story. Bethany Rodgers is a USA TODAY Network Pennsylvania investigative journalist. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: When is the voter registration deadline for PA's 2025 primary?
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
INNOVATION: Newman says Post-COVID, Downtown Wilkes-Barre is coming back strong
Apr. 27—WILKES-BARRE — Larry Newman, executive director at Diamond City Partnership, says that five years have passed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic — an event which had an enormous economic impact on Downtown Wilkes-Barre. "Across the nation, the rise of remote work led to a significant reduction in demand for office space — one of the primary pillars of Downtown's economy," Newman said. "That unexpected drop in daily employee traffic dealt a blow, in turn, to storefront restaurants and retailers. And after more than a decade of positive momentum, Downtown Wilkes-Barre's revitalization was halted in its tracks." However, Newman said the Downtown had the benefit of a road map to guide its recovery — the plan developed by the Diamond City Partnership (DCP) — Wilkes-Barre's nonprofit downtown management organization. "That plan — which serves as a basis for Downtown Wilkes-Barre's Main Street program designation by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development — is built around the time-tested 'four-point' Main Street approach to downtown revitalization," Newman said Well before the start of COVID, Newman said the Main Street approach was helping DCP implement the community's vision for Downtown Wilkes-Barre as: —Clean, safe, and beautiful. —The region's "walk-to-everything" neighborhood of choice. —The region's college neighborhood. —A regional center of arts, culture, dining, and entertainment. —A place whose historic architecture, riverfront, and high-quality public environment are the basis of an enhanced visitor experience. "And despite the setbacks of the past five years, we've continued to make progress toward those goals," Newman said. Newman said Downtown Wilkes-Barre continues to grow as a residential neighborhood — by the end of 2024, he said the total number of people living within the boundaries of the Downtown Wilkes-Barre Business Improvement District was 157% of the 2019 total. That residential growth was accompanied by retail growth — Newman said eight new independent storefront businesses opened within Downtown's SOMA Arts District during 2024. Merchants like The Burnt Norton, Evergreen, and Virtual Fairways are catering to a new generation of downtown residents, college students and visitors. Once-vacant downtown spaces — such as the former newspaper building that's now King's College's Kowalski Center for Advanced Healthcare Education, or the one-time furniture store at 116 South Main Street that now houses Building Blocks Learning Center and 34 market-rate lofts — are again filled with activity. Newman said a terrific array of outdoor events — parades, the Fine Arts Fiesta, Farmers Market, Rockin' the River, and Public Square concerts — occurs throughout the year, joining the entertainment offerings at the F.M. Kirby Center, R/C Movies 14, and Downtown's other arts and culture venues. Last year, Newman said DCP helped return the Cavalcade of Jazz to Downtown Wilkes-Barre, and on April 25, DCP is partnering with the Sordoni Art Gallery to present "SOMA" Night Lights — a new projection mapping festival that will temporarily transform the landscape of Downtown's SOMA Arts District into a canvas for illumination art. "Together with DCP's other events — such as the 'Sunsets on South Main' live-music series; the Downtown Discoveries Kids Fest; Cocktails & Culture; Inspired Bites; Small Business Saturday; and the Holiday Market — these events are bringing more people downtown throughout the year," Newman said. DCP also continues its work to improve the downtown environment. Thanks to a Luzerne County ARPA grant, Newman said DCP was able to expand its Downtown Ambassador Team in 2024. The Team now cleans and beautifies the downtown core 7 days a week, while a new Quality of Life Ambassador connects at-risk individuals to the help they need. During 2024, Newman said DCP's Downtown Ambassador Team: —Removed almost 14,000 pounds of trash from sidewalks and curbs. —Eliminated 74 graffiti tags and 369 stickers. —Planted and maintained 186 hanging flower baskets and 32 large ground planters. —Assisted or provided directions to 764 people. Newman said DCP's volunteers planted 17 additional shade trees throughout downtown in 2024, while DCP façade grants are restoring historic buildings and improving Downtown's built environment. Slowly but surely, Newman said Downtown continues to rebound — in 2024, downtown visitation reached 82% of 2019 levels — led by those who came here to shop, dine and attend shows and events. And 2024 downtown employee volumes hit 57% of the 2019 total — a 5% improvement over last year. "This work is critical because the fact is that downtown revitalization is economic development," Newman said. "That reality is understood by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, whose new 10-year Economic Development Strategy has been built, in large part, around downtown revitalization." As Gov. Josh Shapiro recently said in an address to the 2025 Main Street Now Conference: "You can tell whether a community is vibrant or not based on the success of a Main Street. If that Main Street is successful, chances are that broader community is going to be safer; chances are that schools are going to be stronger; and there's more economic opportunity in those communities." "At DCP, we couldn't agree more — which is why we are so determined to overcome the obstacles and keep the momentum going," Newman said. "But it's also critical that the larger community also recognizes the importance of having a healthy downtown. We need more stakeholders who are willing to put their shoulders to the wheel — more people who will patronize a downtown business, renew a downtown lease, or push back on negative perceptions. Everyone can do their part to make things better and help build a city center that's a point of pride for all of us." Newman said Downtown Wilkes-Barre is coming back. "And we urge you to be a part of the downtown rebound — because no matter what part of Greater Wilkes-Barre you call home, we all benefit from having a strong and vibrant neighborhood serving as the heart of the Wyoming Valley," Newman said. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
The 2025 PA primary is May 20: What to know about this year's elections in Bucks County.
The 2025 municipal election season officially began Tuesday, when candidates were first able to circulate nomination petitions to appear on Republican and Democratic primary ballots on May 20. Held on odd-numbered years, municipal elections decide who will represent voters at the local level in their towns, school districts and across the county. More than 20% of Bucks County's registered voters have turned out for the last two municipal primaries, which are held every odd-numbered year in Pennsylvania. Here's a breakdown of important election dates and other information you need to know for this year's election. Pennsylvania is a closed-primary state, which means only Republicans and Democrats can vote for their respective party's candidates in May to appear on the Nov. 4 ballot. Minor party and unaffiliated candidates can file nomination papers to be on the ballot in November, but that's a separate process from the primary. Voters can also put write-in candidates in any election. Lingering power outages in Bucks County: 1,000 Bucks County PECO customers are still without power. It's been 4 days in cold temps The window for Republicans and Democrats to circulate nomination petitions, one of the first steps in running for office, started Tuesday. Here are the important dates for candidates and voters to know for this year's election: March 11 - Last day to circulate nomination petitions. March 12 - First day to circulate nomination papers for minor party and unaffiliated candidates. March 18 - Last day to file objections to nomination petitions. March 26 - Last day for withdrawal for candidates who filed nomination petitions. May 5 - Last day to register to vote in the primary. May 13 - Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot or civilian absentee ballot. May 20 - Polls open for the primary at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. All municipalities will have at least one candidate up for election, typically supervisors for townships and council members for boroughs, according to a list of term dates on the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development's municipal statistics website. Almost every borough in Bucks County will also have a mayoral race this year. Quakertown has what is called a 'council-manager' form of government and doesn't have a mayor, according to the borough's website. Four-year terms for Bucks County controller, district attorney, prothonotary, recorder of deeds and sheriff are also to be on the ballot this year. A review of the school district websites and term limits from past election results suggest that all of the 13 school districts in Bucks County have at least four school board seats on the ballot this year. This municipal election is also to have voters choose to fill vacant seats or retain judges at different levels, according to information from the Pennsylvania Department of State. There are four vacancies and and two retention elections for the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas; one vacancy and one retention for both the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court and Superior Court; and three retention elections for Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Tax collector races are also to take place this year for almost all municipalities, in addition to various auditor races. Primary elections in Pennsylvania are mainly for choosing a nominee for the Republican and Democratic parties for the upcoming election, which takes place this year on Nov. 4. While voters aren't deciding who will hold office, it is possible for one candidate to win the ballot spot on both parties and become the presumptive winner barring victory from a write-in or third-party challenger. In some races, such as for school boards and judges, candidates can 'cross-file' as both a Republican and a Democrat. Chris Ullery can be reached at cullery@ This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Election dates for Bucks County, PA races in 2025 municipal election
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania invests millions in popular streaming series
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Earlier today, the Shapiro Administration announced that it will be providing a multi-million-dollar film tax credit to the producers of 'Mayor of Kingstown', which is currently filming its fourth season in the City of Pittsburgh. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED), the Pennsylvania Film Office is providing a $30 million film tax credit to the producers of the hit streaming series 'Mayor of Kingstown'. Currently, the series starring Jeremy Renner is filming its fourth season in Pittsburgh. To date, production of the series has resulted in more than 2,600 new jobs and infused over $100 million into Pennsylvania's economy. RELATED: Pennsylvania invests in TV & film projects including new Shane Gillis show 'Tires' 'When a TV or film production comes to Pennsylvania it's a huge driver for the local economy. Crews need housing, equipment, transportation, catering and other services, hire area workers, and spend money at local businesses,' Film Commissioner Gino Anthony Pesi said. 'The Shapiro Administration is thrilled that a major production like 'Mayor of Kingstown' recognizes the incredible locations, people, and amenities we have in Pennsylvania, and our Film Tax Credit program helps us better compete in attracting more well-known productions like this one.' DCED says the Pennsylvania Film Tax Credit program offers a 25% tax credit to products that spend at least 60% of their total budget in Pennsylvania. To be eligible for the tax credit, projects must be a feature film, a television film, a television talk or game show series, a television commercial, a television pilot, or each episode of a television series intended as programming for a national audience. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'We're thrilled to welcome Season Four of Mayor of Kingstown back to Pittsburgh. The production employs thousands of local union members, emphasizing the impact that a robust Pennsylvania Film Tax Credit program can have on our economy and industry,' Dawn M. Keezer, Executive Director, of the Pittsburgh Film Office said. 'Feature films and TV productions have impacted this region to the tune of $2.5 billion. The continued expansion of the program is vital to our growth and the good, family-sustaining jobs and workforce development opportunities it supports.' Since the start of the Shapiro Administration, Film Tax Credits have attracted 72 film projects, including a record 50 projects in fiscal year 2023-24. Altogether, those projects infused more than $767 million into regional economies and generated jobs for more than 6,700 Pennsylvanians. abc27 news will keep you updated as more information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
