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A state grant will help defray the costs of putting together the Allentown Vision 2030 Comprehensive and Economic Development Plan.
The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has approved a nearly $70,000 grant to pay for consultant costs associated with public engagement and creating an actionable plan that includes innovative outreach strategies on multiple platforms to be translated into multiple languages. The funds are provided through the Department’s FY 2019 — 2020 Municipal Assistance Program.
Technical consultants from evolve environment + architecture, Fourth Economy, and Faces International assisted the city in drafting the plan. It addresses the topics of housing, workforce development, economic opportunity, social equity, environment and conservation, community development, transportation, land use, historic preservation, open space, and a range of other areas that affect the quality of life and vibrancy of the city of Allentown.
City Council unanimously approved the Vision 2030 Plan last month. The city had budgeted $150,000 toward the project which includes the grant match.
City staff allocated significant time to this project, including a full-time Senior Planner dedicated to plan development/project management. The Director of Community & Economic Development, Planning Director, and staff from across city departments were engaged in the development, implementation, and monitoring effectiveness.
The development of the Allentown Vision 2030 Plan was an inclusive process that engaged thousands of community members through Community Collaboration Meetings, a citywide survey, neighborhood events, and the Vision 2030 Community Engagement Hub. The Allentown Vision 2030 Plan goals, recommendations and actions are based on input and ideas from across the Allentown community.
The Allentown Vision 2030 Plan recommendations cover five ‘Urban Systems’: Economic Development, Housing, Accessibility and Connectivity, Services and Amenities, and Living Systems. Potential future land use strategies and recommendations are found in the ‘Areas of Allentown’ section. The Plan contains a set of ‘Catalytic Actions’ that span all five Urban Systems and are considered ‘early implementation’ actions that will start within its first three years. There will be a yearly Allentown Vision 2030 Report Card to track the progress and impact of the Allentown Vision 2030 Plan prepared by the Bureau of Planning & Zoning and presented to the community, City Council and mayor.
The Allentown Vision 2030 Plan can be accessed at: www.AllentownVision2030.org/plan. Hard copies of the Plan can be requested by emailing Vision2030@Allentownpa.gov and picked up from the City of Allentown Bureau of Planning & Zoning located at Allentown City Hall, 435 Hamilton Street – 4th Floor, Allentown PA 18101.
The Allentown Vision 2030 Plan will be available Spanish later this year. The translation of the Allentown Vision 2030 Plan is being led by the consultant team Clear Language Communications LLC.
Information provided to TVL by:
Mike Moore
Communications Manager
Mayor’s Office
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
Mike.Moore@allentownpa.gov
http://www.AllentownPA.gov
