Economic Competitiveness Strategy
City of Chester
Economic Strategy
Chester, PA, located in the Philadelphia metro area, was once a prosperous industrial hub. However, following factory closures after World War II, the city has suffered from a long history of fiscal distress and economic challenges.
The Receiver of the City of Chester hired Fourth Economy to support their economic strategic work by reviewing additional economic conditions such as quality of life, housing, infrastructure, business creation, and workforce development.
Our Approach
Fourth Economy conducted a baseline analysis to better understand Chester’s strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and how results would be measured to track change over time. A diversified outreach campaign was conducted within the community, targeting residents, business owners, and community partners responsible for Chester’s long-term economic health. The community engagement strategy gathered input from several hundred voices to develop a clear set of priorities based on the community’s understanding of potential economic drivers. These drivers included new workforce exposure and upskilling programs, a diversified housing market, and long-term investment in the riverfront.
The Results
The Fourth Economy team developed a clear set of strategies to support the City of Chester’s next step of updating its comprehensive plan. The plan was received by community partners and members of the advisory committee to prioritize strategies that aligned with their own organization’s mission and lead implementation.
Location
Chester, PA