Following Casey and Wild's advocacy, City of Allentown earned highly selective federal grant to connect residents to good-paying jobs
Phase 2 of Recompete Program to help City to realize goals of removing barriers to employment, connecting residents to the fast-growing industries in the Lehigh Valley
Congress created the Recompete Program in CHIPS and Science Act to connect distressed communities to jobs and investment
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), U.S. Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-PA-7), and Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk secured $20,000,000 in competitive grant funding to remove barriers to employment and economic success, such as access to affordable and convenient child care, transportation, and educational opportunities. Thanks to this funding, Allentown can invest in securing jobs for Allentown residents for in-demand industries in the Lehigh Valley, including manufacturing and health care. This grant comes from Phase II of the Recompete Plan which was established by the CHIPS and Science Act.
“When people have the skills and resources they need to compete for good-paying jobs, they can provide for their families, get quality health care, and improve their quality of life. For too long, Allentown residents have struggled to make ends meet due to employment barriers through no fault of their own,” said Senator Casey. “The Recompete program represents a game-changing opportunity for Allentown residents to get a fair shot at getting and keeping family sustaining jobs.”
“I’m so excited that the City of Allentown was selected for this historic $20 million grant, which will allow us to expand our job market, connect each corner of the city with critical services, and support hardworking men and women looking to earn a decent living,” said Congresswoman Susan Wild. “The City’s plan is impressive and comprehensive, and I was proud to see it through to completion. Job-seekers across our community will now be able to access strong wages and good workplaces that might otherwise have been out of reach. I’ll continue pushing to bring home additional investments to our city to support the Recompete plan and tackle barriers to employment.”
“Allentown and the Lehigh Valley have successfully reacted to crisis many times before, but we’re about to see how we respond to an opportunity. Leveraging existing relationships and forging new partnerships, we will have a chance to create a model for eliminating the barriers that keep talented people from getting good jobs. Investments in skills development, industrial sites, transportation, and child care will make sure that Allentown’s residents are in a position to succeed,” said Matt Tuerk, mayor of Allentown.
The Recompete Pilot Program was established by the CHIPS and Science Act to make targeted investments in communities struggling with high prime-age employment gaps and reflects an increased commitment at the federal level to spurring economic development in communities that have long been left behind. After securing initial funding from Phase I of the Recompete program, Allentown was awarded an additional $20,000,000 for Phase II. Thanks to this funding, Allentown can implement its Recompete plan, create career opportunities, and reduce barriers to securing in-demand jobs.
Senator Casey and Congresswoman Wild have worked repeatedly to ensure that Allentown can benefit from employment investments. After voting to establish the Recompete program in the CHIPS and Science Act, the Members of Congress advocated for Allentown to be included in the program. Casey urged the Biden Administration to support Allentown’s application for this next phase. In a letter to Assistant Secretary Alejandra Castillo of the Economic Development Agency, Congresswoman Wild pushed for the City of Allentown to receive this key grant that will address barriers to employment and expand economic opportunity for the City. In December 2023, Senator Casey, Congresswoman Wild, and Mayor Tuerk announced that they secured the Phase 1 grant.
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