Gov. Josh Shapiro proposes nearly $65 million for state Semiquincentennial celebrations

Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed nearly $65 million in funding Tuesday toward Pennsylvania’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of America in 2026, also known as the Semiquincentennial.

In his annual budget address to a joint session of the state House and Senate, Shapiro urged lawmakers to provide millions needed to ensure that Pennsylvania, the state where the country was founded, is properly prepared for the national milestone.

Shapiro advocated for $36.5 million to help plan next year’s major events connected to the Semiquincentennial, including six FIFA World Cup matches, the MLB All-Star Game, and early rounds of NCAA’s March Madness tournament, all scheduled for Philadelphia — and the NFL draft set for Pittsburgh. That funding would be allocated to the Tourism Promotion Fund, Shapiro said.

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“My budget ensures those epic events have the resources they need,” he said. “Because all eyes will be on Pennsylvania as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026 and welcome millions to where it all began.”

Shapiro also proposed $2.5 million in funding for America250PA, the official nonprofit partner of the federal U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, plus $10 million to promote the event. And he pledged $15 million funding to pump up regional event security for the celebrations.

Shapiro, a Democrat, will need to negotiate the proposals with a split legislature.

Still, the announcement, the first official and by far the most robust funding package yet for Pennsylvania’s commemorations, delighted planners who see the Semiquincentennial as a potentially transformative event that could boost tourism and investment in Philadelphia and the state for years. In November, a cadre of Philadelphia tourism, civic, and cultural leaders pressed for $100 million from city and state coffers to support the $14 million local philanthropies have already provided toward 250th planning and programming.

“It’s absolutely outstanding, and it gives me great hope,” said Kathryn Ott Lovell, the president and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitors Center Corp. Last month, Lovell was also named head of Philadelphia250, a nonprofit chaired by former Gov. Ed Rendell to help plan the Semiquincentennial.

“That’s a big number and a big commitment that he’s making, and it’s really exciting,” Lovell said. “The administration understands the importance of this opportunity for the Commonwealth and our cities, and the impact it can have on communities and residents. This is never just about 2026. It’s about ‘how do we use this event and this milestone to propel our city and commonwealth forward?’”

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker last year appointed former Visit Philly executive Michael Newmuis to head city planning for the Semiquincentennial. He has said the administration expects to present Council with a funding proposal for the celebrations in coming weeks.

“For the nation’s 250th birthday, we must also ensure the nation’s birthplace takes center stage,” Newmuis said at the November 2026 preparedness meeting.