By Brian O’Leary, AICP

After twenty years, the state has created a new ten-year economic development strategy. This strategy was sorely needed, with much of the state lagging in job growth, population growth, and general economic well-being. It’s time to see more economic growth and prosperity across Pennsylvania.

The plan, which is very high-level, is divided into five strategic initiatives, each of which could potentially impact planners:

1. Invest in Our Economic Growth to Compete
   This initiative proposes to increase state investment in supporting business attraction and retention. A recommendation to invest in shovel ready sites could lead to new efforts to identify appropriate sites and to get these sites ready for development or redevelopment. Planners will need to be involved in this site identification process.
   

   The initiative also recommends investment in tourist and recreation sites, which may bring new funds for improving these facilities, especially as the nation gets ready for its 250 birthday in 2026.

2. Make Government Work at the Speed of Business
   This initiative is focused on reducing state government red tape and improving response times. For any planners who have had to wait for a state permit or review, this is a welcome initiative; however, there are plenty of local rules and processes that bog down new businesses, housing construction, and infrastructure projects. All of us can work to make processes more streamlined and transparent.
3. Open Doors of Opportunity for All Pennsylvanians
   This initiative supports better workforce training and education, including a potential realignment of the state higher education system, which could strongly impact communities hosting these institutions.
4. Innovate to Win
   This initiative revolves around the five priority industries in the state – agriculture, energy, life sciences, manufacturing, and robotics and technology. Areas with strengths in any of these industries may see additional investment.
5. Build Vibrant and Resilient Regions
   This initiative is the most relevant for planners and includes:

• • Expanding the availability of housing, although how to do this is very vague.
  • Investing more money in our downtowns and main streets. This is great news, since the state’s main street programs have been underfunded for years.
  • Grabbing as much federal infrastructure funding as possible. We’re probably all working on projects that involve this federal funding one way or another, and it’s great to see that the state will be focusing on this opportunity.
  • Creating a Pennsylvania Regional Challenge. This will incentivize regional economic development plans and strategies.

The new economic development plan is a strong start on improving the state’s economic fortunes, and it will be interesting to watch its implementation and the role of planners in these initiatives. The plan can be accessed online.