As the investigation dragged out, Allentown's downtown was being transformed through a special taxing district that has generated more than $1 billion in new or planned development, including construction of the PPL Center arena, the Renaissance Hotel and numerous office and apartment buildings. While Pawlowski has promoted the city's revival in appearances across the state and country as well as in interviews with local and national media, council members have argued that the mayor's refusal to resign slowed the city's progress by keeping the investigation alive.