Released at annual Budget Breakfast and Briefing attended by more than 90 civic, business, and community leaders
Infinite Erie today announced the release of its 2026 Playbook during the organization’s annual Budget Breakfast and Briefing, where more than 90 civic, business, and community leaders gathered to review key elements of Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026–27 state budget and its implications for the region.
The annual Playbook serves as Infinite Erie’s framework for aligning regional priorities, tracking progress, and directing investment toward projects positioned to advance economic growth across Erie County.
“The Playbook reflects where Erie is focused right now and where coordination can make the greatest difference,” said Kim Thomas, executive director of Infinite Erie. “It brings together the projects that matter most in 2026 and helps ensure partners are aligned and prepared to move work forward.”
The 2026 Playbook organizes projects around three shared regional priorities:
- Developing a world-class waterfront
- Supporting economic development
- Creating access to safe, affordable, and quality housing
Projects included in the Playbook represent a range of stages, from early planning to active implementation, highlighting both progress already underway and opportunities where additional coordination or investment can accelerate impact.
Projects featured in the 2026 Playbook include:
- Ironworks Square (former Erie Malleable Iron site)
- McKean Business Park
- Corry Area Technical and Cyber Hub (CATCH)
- Erie Coke site remediation
- Millcreek Gateway District
- Erie Housing Accelerator
- Erie City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ)
During the briefing, Infinite Erie also provided an overview of the governor’s proposed budget, noting strong alignment between state priorities and many of the projects outlined in the Playbook.
“The proposed budget reinforces key areas Erie has already been working to advance, particularly workforce development, housing, and economic competitiveness,” Thomas said. “That alignment underscores the importance of readiness and coordination as the budget process moves forward.”
Erie County residents can learn more about the 2026 Playbook and follow Infinite Erie’s work at infiniteerie.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
