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Matt Tuerk
Allentown Works launches with $20M federal funding
Stacy Wescoe//August 11, 2025//
Listen to this articleMayor Matt Tuerk has officially launched a new initiative that is aimed at boosting economic opportunity in the City of Allentown.
Allentown Works is a new program that aims to remove barriers and build bridges towards education, training, and job stability.
By 2030, Allentown Works aims to connect more than 650 residents to long-term stable jobs.
“Allentown Works will catalyze change for our city, improving lives and soon entire communities,” said Mayor Matt Tuerk. “This is how our city responds to opportunity; this is how we show up.”
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 City of Allentown and the Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) will administer Allentown Works.
The program is supported by 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 Ga.
“The Allentown Economic Development Corporation is thrilled to be a part of bringing Allentown Works to our communities,” said Executive Director R. Scott Unger. “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.”
