Senate Bill 367, aimed at enhancing oversight of the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ), has passed unanimously in the Pennsylvania Senate. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-16) with co-sponsorship from Sen. Nick Miller (D-14), now awaits consideration in the state House of Representatives.
The proposed legislation seeks to authorize independent auditors for the Allentown NIZ Development Authority (ANIZDA) to access state and local tax information from qualified NIZ businesses for audit purposes. This move is intended to ensure compliance with statutory requirements regarding local tax transfers within the NIZ.
Additionally, Senate Bill 367 proposes changes to the ANIZDA board composition. Currently, over half of its members are serving expired terms—a concern highlighted by a review conducted by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee last year. The bill outlines a new process for board member selection: three appointments by the mayor, one each by three state representatives representing Allentown, and one each by two state senators, with an additional member selected jointly by these senators. Members will serve staggered but fixed terms and must adhere to state ethics requirements.
“Since taking office two and a half years ago, I’ve been fighting for more transparency and accountability from the NIZ, and I think real progress that serves the public interest is being made,” stated Coleman. “I appreciate that my Democratic colleague, Sen. Miller, shares this goal, and I am hopeful our bipartisan approach will succeed in getting this bill to the governor.”
Miller remarked on the significance of this legislative effort: “This bill is a positive step toward improving transparency and strengthening oversight of the NIZ. Giving independent auditors the tools they need will help ensure the program continues to serve the public interest effectively.”
For further inquiries about Senate Bill 367 or related matters, contact Leo Knepper at 717-787-1349.
