Building a Resilient, Dynamic Economy

Services: Program Design / Stakeholder Engagement / Research and Policy Design

A Roadmap For Quality Jobs 

Pew Charitable Trusts, Philadelphia, PA 2022-2023

As Philadelphia recovers from the pandemic, many residents remain stuck in low-wage work with limited paths to advancement. At the same time, employers struggle to find and develop local talent. Without a more intentional approach, economic growth continues to bypass many Philadelphians, especially those long excluded from opportunity.

A strong, inclusive regional economy creates quality middle-wage jobs and clear paths to advancement. Achieving this requires better alignment between economic and workforce development efforts across Philadelphia and the surrounding counties, so more residents can access family-sustaining work.

The Pew Charitable Trusts, in partnership with Rvesta Consulting, Equitable Cities Consulting, and Econsult, worked with workforce leaders to lay the foundation for a stakeholder-driven strategy that integrates and improves coordination across Philadelphia’s economic and workforce development systems.Our team conducted peer-city research, interviewed practitioners, and led a collaborative process involving dozens of partners, including Philadelphia Works, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, Visit Philly, and the Department of Commerce.

The strategy report outlines recommendations to strengthen economic development ties between Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, drawing on lessons from peer cities. This collaboration led to two shared commitments: a coordinated regional economic development strategy for Southeast Pennsylvania and a focus on creating stronger, mutually beneficial connections between employers and workforce development partners.

Continue Reading:

How to Improve City-State Economic Development Cooperation, Pew Charitable Trusts, 2023

Philadelphians Need More Economic Opportunity, Pew Charitable Trusts, 2025