Hazleton Exits Distressed Status  

After more than five years as a distressed municipality under the Act 47 program, Hazleton in Luzerne County has now exited from the program and is no longer considered to be distressed. The decision was made due to Hazleton’s ability to effectively use the tools offered through the program to significantly improve its financial position and management infrastructure since entering Act 47. 

Hazleton entered the Act 47 program in 2017 due to multiple years of deficits and pending inability to pay debts and payroll. Since then, Hazleton has made significant strides to improve its management practices and fiscal situation. Hazleton experienced a surplus for 2018-2022. The city’s revenues are now sufficient to fund ongoing necessary expenditures. Click here for the press release.