October 29, 2026 – Senator Miller announced $1,701,750 in tax credits through the state’s Neighborhood Assistance Program to several community projects through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) in the 14thDistrict.
The announcement was made during a press conference attended by representatives from several award recipients, including Community Action Lehigh Valley, Ripple Community Inc., Family Promise of the Lehigh Valley, The Conference, the Downtown Allentown Alliance, and other community organizations. The Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) incentivizes businesses to invest in projects that revitalize distressed areas, strengthen local communities, and promote economic growth. A livestream of the full press conference is available on PASenatorMiller.com.
Legislation, sponsored by Miller alongside Senator Gene Yaw, expanded the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) from $36 million to $72 million in the 2024-25 state budget.
“I’m proud to have advocated for these investments because they will make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families across the Lehigh Valley,” said Senator Nick Miller. “Through partnerships between local nonprofits and dedicated businesses like Capital Advantage Insurance Company, Peoples Security Bank and Trust, Fulton Bank, and many others, we can expand access to arts education, after-school programs, affordable housing, and nutritious food. These investments strengthen our communities, help organizations reach more residents, and ensure more families have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”
The investments are as follows:
Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP)
- $9,750 to Allentown Symphony Association to provide 120 at-risk K-12 students in Allentown with free, year-round intensive music education, building skills and discipline for success in school and the workforce.
- $32,500 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley, Inc to expand Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley’s (BBBSLV) after-school enrichment model by sustaining two-day STEAM Club programming and launching a weekly Cooking Club for east Allentown youth.
- $6,500 to Black Heritage Association of the Lehigh Valley Inc to serving low- and moderate-income communities throughout Lehigh County with concentrated outreach to construction contractors residing in economically distressed neighborhoods.
- $475,000 to Community Action Development Corporation of the Lehigh Valley to help Allentown’s Blueprint addresses three focus areas in Center City and the 1st & 6th Wards – affordable & quality housing, housing services & resource navigation, and neighborhood engagement.
- $641,250 to Downtown Allentown Alliance to activate public spaces, support small businesses, and expand economic opportunity through markets, programming, and coordinated district management.
- $142,500 to Ripple Community Inc to expand affordable housing options for at-risk households, increase opportunities for shared equity in housing, and support long-term housing stability and community connection.
Special Program Priorities (SPP)
- $45,000 to Allentown Art Museum for The Allentown Art Museum (AAM) Art Can program improves community wellness by providing therapeutic art immersion sessions to adults living with dementia.
- $18,000 to Family Promise of Lehigh Valley to address the rising rate of child and family homelessness in the Lehigh Valley by providing prevention services, emergency shelter, case management, aftercare and housing transition support.
- $270,000 to Milosev Family Foundation for the rehabilitation of three blighted homes in Allentown to create long-term affordable homeownership opportunities for low-income households while reducing neighborhood blight.
- $45,000 to The Lehigh Conference of Churches to connect individuals to housing, benefits, and treatment, sustaining 255+ enrollments annually.
Charitable Food Program (CFP)
- $16,250 to River Crossing Young Men’s Christian Association: River Crossing YMCA will expand food access across the Lehigh Valley benefitting preschool children, senior citizens and high-need demographic areas.
The NAP has five main components: The Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), Special Program Priorities (SPP), the Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP), Charitable Food Program (CFP), and the Enterprise Zone Program (EZP).
For more information about the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), visit dced.pa.gov/programs/neighborhood-assistance-program-nap/ and for more 14th District related news at PASenatorMiller.com.