ALLENTOWN WORKS – PRESS RELEASE
Monday, August 11th, 2025
Today, at Casa Guadalupe in the 1st and 6th Wards, Mayor Matt Tuerk announced the launch of Allentown Works, a new program that is unlocking the power of our community by removing barriers and building bridges to economic opportunity, education, training, and job stability that will help individuals and families thrive.
“Allentown Works will serve as a catalyst of change for our city, changing lives and soon entire communities,” said Mayor Matt Tuerk. “This is how our city responds to opportunity.”
The City of Allentown and the Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) will administer Allentown Works with support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s 2024 Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program. Allentown was one of six communities awarded implementation funding through the U.S. EDA Recompete Program, securing a historic $20 million grant to reduce the City’s Prime Age Employment Gap (PAEG).
Through partnerships with local employers, non-profits, community organizations, and residents, Allentown Works will connect people in priority neighborhoods of Franklin Park, Center City, and the 1st and 6th Wards to job opportunities, training, affordable childcare, improved transportation access, and careers in growing local industries.
“The Allentown Economic Development Corporation is thrilled to be a part of bringing Allentown Works to our communities. We are committed to breaking down barriers that may prevent our residents from accessing economic opportunity and connecting to long-term, stable employment in our city,” said Executive Director R. Scott Unger.
By 2030, Allentown Works aims to connect over 650 residents to long-term stable jobs. To help achieve this, the City and AEDC have launched the 2025 Allentown Works Power Cohort, a group of 11 neighborhood champions who connect residents to the program’s resources and opportunities.
“We’re showing up to share what Allentown Works is doing — and how we can help connect residents to better economic opportunities,” said Deja Wilson, a 2025 Power Cohort member. “We understand that everyone starts from a different place. That’s exactly why our approach must be flexible and rooted in the real experiences of the people we serve.”For more information on Allentown Works, visit AllentownWorks.com.