About Allentown Works

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Mission

Mission: Allentown Works is investing in local partnerships, programs, and resources to connect Allentonians to support, training, and job opportunities for stable, long-term employment with family-sustaining wages to build a future where everyone can thrive and advance together.

Vision

Vision: By 2030, Allentown Works will have reduced unemployment in the priority neighborhoods by over 60% and in the city of Allentown by 4.75%.  This program supports coordination among local and regional stakeholders to (a.) advance programming that is tailored to Allentown's prime-age population (ages 25-54); (b.) build capacity and improve quality across local childcare providers; (c.) shorten commute time for residents and invest in walk-to-work options; and (d.) grow the supply of urban manufacturing sites and expand healthcare career pathways.

Allentown Works will connect hundreds of Allentonians with the training, resources, skills, and jobs they need to build a strong economic foundation and support their families, their communities, and their goals for the future.

Who We are

Leadership and Staff:
Allentown Works is led through a partnership between the City of Allentown and the Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC). Together, the City and AEDC are leading the $20M 5-Year Recompete Initiative Grant including coordinating with partners on the implementation of strategies, programs, and deployment of resources.

Allentown Works is a $20 million program funded by a 2024-2029 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) through its 2024 Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program. The City of Allentown was one of six communities selected across the country to implement a comprehensive workforce and economic development strategy. In close partnership with the AEDC and a broad coalition of local and regional stakeholders, Allentown Works will close the City of Allentown’s prime age employment gap and advance economic growth in the city.  Here is the team coordinating program implementation:

City of Allentown Team

AEDC Team

Vicky Kistler, DCED Director

Mark Hartney, DCED Deputy Director

Jennifer Gomez, Planning & Zoning Director

Trevor Tormann, Senior Planner

Kevin McNulty, Senior Planner

Huda Hagos, Planner

Scott Unger, Executive Director

Manuela Guevara, Program Manager, Recompete Program Coordinator

Cynthia Marin, Marketing and Communication Specialist

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Steering Committee

Allentown Works has been built and continues to grow through collaborative partnerships with local employers, academic institutions, community organizations, businesses, and nonprofits. The Allentown Works Steering Committee reflects local residents and leaders  who are committed to growing local employment, providing affordable, high-quality childcare, enhancing transportation options, and supporting career pathways in high opportunity industries. Here is the team guiding program design:

Steering Committee Members

  • Manuela Guevara, AEDC (Chair)
  • Megan Briggs, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation
  • Nancy Dischinat, Workforce Board Lehigh Valley
  • Yusuf Dahl, Century Promise
  • Andrea Wilson, Casa Guadalupe
  • AJ Jordan, LANTA
  • Jess Denke, Muhlenberg College
  • Robert Franklin, IBEW 375
  • Peter Lewnes, Center City Resident
  • Avery Daniels, Franklin Park Resident
  • Nadya Rachid, The Wards Resident

Power Cohort

Allentown Works is an initiative for the residents of Allentown with a focus on the neighborhoods of Franklin Park, Center City, and the Wards. The 2025 Allentown Works Power Cohort are neighborhood champions who have committed to connecting their communities with the resources and opportunities available through the Allentown Works program. The Power Cohort is working closely with City of Allentown and AEDC team members to bring Allentown Works to all residents in Franklin Park, Center City, and the Wards. Here is this year’s team informing program impact and delivery:

Power Cohort Members

  • Elias Rojas
  • Ana Tiburcio
  • Joseph Marte
  • Nancy Ruiz
  • Deja Wilson
  • Yamilet Gomez
  • Maddy Marte
  • Nyiah Gomez
  • Jeffrey Espinola
  • Millie Pena
  • Jamie Chase
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Strategy 1: Facilitate Local Employment - build tools and facilitate resources navigation to earn and keep stable, long-term employment. 

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Strategy 2: Expand Access to Childcare – support providers and families in offering higher capacity and quality of care and accessing responsive services and lower costs. 

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Strategy 3: Invest in Transportation Options – shorten commutes and lower transportation costs. Build understanding of the local transportation system by providing clear guidance on existing transportation options.  

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Strategy 4: Connect residents to High-Opportunity Industries – bring work closer to home. Allentown Works will strengthen job access in our city and region’s growing industries, such as healthcare and manufacturing.