HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania’s economy is poised for a dramatic boost as the Shapiro Administration rolls out two major investments totaling more than $50 million, targeting both the state’s fast-growing creative sector and the critical local services that keep communities functioning.
$49.8 Million to Power Season 2 of HBO’s TASK
In a record-setting move, the Pennsylvania Film Office has awarded $49.8 million through the Film Production Tax Credit Program to support Season 2 of HBO’s critically acclaimed drama series TASK, created by Chester County native Brad Ingelsby. Officials say the production will film entirely in Southeastern Pennsylvania and pump an estimated $194.1 million into the Commonwealth’s economy while creating and supporting more than 3,700 jobs.
“This is the largest tax credit we’ve ever awarded to one show,” said Pennsylvania Film Commissioner Gino Anthony Pesi. He said the administration recognizes the power of major productions to stimulate small businesses, workforce development, and long-term creative growth.
HBO expects the production to utilize roughly 25,000 hotel nights, delivering a surge of business to local hospitality sectors.
Ingelsby, returning to his home state, said he is “deeply grateful” to be filming another season in Pennsylvania. HBO executive Janet Graham Borba emphasized the value of authentic regional locations and said the partnership with the state has been “extremely gratifying.”
The investment is part of Governor Josh Shapiro’s broader push to make Pennsylvania a national magnet for innovation and production. His 2025-26 budget includes $100 million for the Film Production Tax Credit Program, and since the beginning of his administration more than $309 million in film tax credits have supported 106 projects, creating over 35,000 jobs.
$904,489.92 to Strengthen Local Governments Across 14 Counties
A day after announcing the film investment, the Department of Community and Economic Development unveiled $904,489.92 in Municipal Assistance Program grants to help local governments share resources, coordinate services, and plan for long-term growth.
The funding will support 18 projects across 14 counties, ranging from emergency services upgrades to regional police consolidation efforts and countywide planning initiatives.
“Pennsylvania’s neighborhoods and municipalities form the building blocks of our Commonwealth,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. He said the program helps local governments collaborate on practical, high-impact projects that improve quality of life and promote economic resilience.
Among the approved projects:
- Allegheny County — $50,000 to Tri-COG Land Bank to strengthen tools and resources for land banks across the state, aiming to fight blight and revitalize distressed neighborhoods.
- Erie County — $71,111.50 to update its Comprehensive Housing Plan, addressing affordable housing shortages and aging properties.
- Lebanon County — $33,728.42 to support startup costs for the newly formed Lebanon County Regional Police Department, including uniforms, vehicles, equipment, and technology.
- Lehigh County — $74,700 to Whitehall Township to modernize a 20-year-old comprehensive plan for future development.
- Luzerne County — $90,000 to the Lower South Valley Council of Governments to continue regional collaboration on shared community and infrastructure challenges.
The Municipal Assistance Program, funded at $2 million in the 2025-26 state budget, supports projects that encourage shared personnel, regionalized services, long-range planning, and coordinated municipal strategies.
Together, the film investment and community improvement grants reflect the Shapiro Administration’s long-term 10-year Economic Development Strategy, which aims to strengthen Pennsylvania’s workforce, expand economic opportunities, and drive sustained growth across the state.
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