The City of Allentown has been awarded a $20 million federal grant through the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program (“Recompete”)!
Recompete, now Allentown Works is a place-based investment program designed to help communities overcome persistent economic challenges. Its primary goal is to close the prime-age employment gap (PAEG) and support residents aged 25–54 in securing good-paying jobs.
The Allentown Works Plan focuses on the neighborhoods of Franklin Park, Center City, and the 1st and 6th Wards, where the prime-age employment gap is 12.1%—nearly double the citywide average.
With this funding, Allentown will eliminate barriers to employment—including language access, skills gaps, lack of affordable childcare, and unreliable transportation—and connect residents to high-opportunity industries like healthcare and manufacturing.
The Plan is built around four core strategies and will implement eight targeted interventions to:
- Increase access to local employment opportunities
- Expand needs-responsive childcare
- Improve transportation options
- Strengthen career pathways into growing industries
Our mission is to grow a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce that participates fully in Allentown’s and the region’s economic success. By 2030, the Allentown Works Plan will lead to the employment of nearly 700 residents and reduce unemployment by 60% in the priority areas.
Allentown Works is putting Allentown residents in a stronger position to earn higher wages, work closer to home, and create new opportunities for themselves and their communities.
We’re excited to get started—and even more excited for what’s ahead.