Pennsylvania Works! Campaign Leverages Value of Partnerships
Partners increasingly recognize the value and benefits of collaboration on a common goal. Especially now as states struggle fiscally, needs are great and limited funding must the central premise of advocating for specific legislative and administrative initiatives that:
- Generate economic opportunities and job creation;
- Promote government efficiency;
- Create vibrant, prosperous and livable communities throughout Pennsylvania.
Though the central goal is to put people to work and to build a strong economy, Preservation Pennsylvania, a founding partner organization of the campaign, sees historic preservation as a strategic tool for making this happen. For instance, the rehabilitation of an existing building is more labor intensive than new construction (60-70% versus 50%), creating more jobs and further stimulating the local economy.
Timing to launch Pennsylvania Works! could not have been better. Just as the state began considering how best to spend federal stimulus dollars, the campaign provided a platform that promotes investing in renewable energy, upgrading existing infrastructure, and encouraging green building strategies.
Through a fix-it-first approach, the campaign delivers a message to maintain Pennsylvania's existing built environment rather than building a new one. It presses leaders to create a system that allows a voice for local communities in addressing challenging issues like affordable housing and home foreclosures.
Ten keystone principles were developed to foster sustainable economic development and conservation of resources through the state's investment of funding, including:
- Redevelop first;
- Provide efficient infrastructure;
- Concentrate development;
- Increase job opportunities;
- Foster sustainable businesses;
- Restore and enhance the environment;
- Enhance recreational and heritage resources;
- Expand housing opportunities;
- Plan regionally, implement locally;
- Be fair.
