The Morning Call

Allentown received a $20 million federal grant to address unemployment. Here’s how it’ll spend that money

Allentown Works will target people who are aged 25-54, unemployed and living in some of the city’s poorer neighborhoods.

Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk speaks Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, during the unveiling of the Allentown Works program at Casa Guadalupe Center in Allentown. One year ago, Allentown was awarded $20 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Recompete program, one of only six communities nationwide to receive this historic investment. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Allentown Works hats, bags and other swag is available Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, during the unveiling of the Allentown Works program at Casa Guadalupe Center in Allentown. One year ago, Allentown was awarded $20 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Recompete program, one of only six communities nationwide to receive this historic investment. This funding is advancing a comprehensive strategy to reduce Allentown’s employment gap and drive long-term economic growth. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Allentown Economic Development Corp. Executive Director R. Scott Unger speaks Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, during the unveiling of the Allentown Works program at Casa Guadalupe Center in Allentown. One year ago, Allentown was awarded $20 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Recompete program, one of only six communities nationwide to receive this historic investment. This funding is advancing a comprehensive strategy to reduce Allentown’s employment gap and drive long-term economic growth. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Allentown Works cohort member Deja Wilson speaks Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, during the unveiling of the Allentown Works program at Casa Guadalupe Center in Allentown. One year ago, Allentown was awarded $20 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Recompete program, one of only six communities nationwide to receive this historic investment. This funding is advancing a comprehensive strategy to reduce Allentown’s employment gap and drive long-term economic growth. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

A vision board is available for people to place ideas on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, during the unveiling of the Allentown Works program at Casa Guadalupe Center in Allentown. One year ago, Allentown was awarded $20 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Recompete program, one of only six communities nationwide to receive this historic investment. This funding is advancing a comprehensive strategy to reduce Allentown’s employment gap and drive long-term economic growth. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)