More than one hundred businesses, community leaders, and investors participated in the first Annual Coatesville Economic (ACE) Forum on Aug. 3, hosted by the City of Coatesville, Chester County Economic Development Council, and the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce. 

“The theme, Re-Imagine Coatesville, underscores the Forum’s purpose to provide participants with a city-wide and regional snapshot of the emerging economic projects that are transforming Coatesville and the greater region,” said City Manager James Logan. “The city is experiencing a renaissance, and its stakeholders are eager to be part of the journey.” 

The event included panel discussions and breakout sessions focused on smart economic drivers, developmental trends, growth opportunities and revitalization initiatives and addressed infrastructure, creative approaches to entrepreneurship, innovation districts, transportation, and the impact of a hybrid workforce.  

“This was a transformational day for the City of Coatesville,” said Gary Smith, CEO, Chester County Economic Development Council. “We’re excited about the abundance of momentum that is circulating within Coatesville’s central business area. Today’s forum is the first opportunity to show and tell Coatesville’s story of economic opportunity. It’s a huge confidence factor when people aren’t just saying good things, but doing good things, like they are in Coatesville.”  

“It’s exciting to see this level of collaboration and dedication to address education, innovation, community resources, infrastructure, health, business growth, and so much more,” said Marian Moskowitz, Chair of the Chester County Board of Commissioners. “The county is committed to investing in these components that will help Coatesville and its leadership become what they were meant to be. Coatesville has all the makings necessary to make it wonderful, and most importantly, it has the leadership in place for its new chapter.” 

The City of Coatesville has turned the corner in amazing ways, according to Linda Lavender-Norris, City Council president. The city comprises 1.9 square miles with 13,299 residents. With a growing population, the median age is 31.2. The city has experienced a 52 percent increase in median household income and 12 percent increase in property values.

Highlights of progress during the past five years include: 

• 40 economic development projects are underway or have been completed, totaling over $240 million in invested dollars 
• Four new restaurants are emerging as the Downtown District rebuilds itself 
• 2^nd Century Alliance was founded in 2015 to support local economic development 
• Incentive programs such as Opportunity Zones have created traction, visibility, and investment opportunities 
• The city partnered with Kutztown University to relaunch Business Skills for Success for the Entrepreneur training program, sparking pop-up shops  
• Cleveland-Cliffs purchased Coatesville-based steel mill in 2020 
• nth Innovation Center opened in 2022, a tech hub for early-stage companies 
• Chester County Economic Development Council opened a resource center in 2022 to support emerging business development 
• The new Coatesville Train Station $65 million project is scheduled for completion in 2025 
• Made in Coatesville Incubator Program implemented to support entrepreneurs 
• $75 million National Sports & Events Center project underway 
• More than $6 million in parks & recreation revitalization 

“Coatesville is still in the early stages of this new round of economic growth; it’s a time of creative opportunity for small businesses,” said Rachel Cathell, Executive Director of the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce. “Forty new small businesses have opened in the city since 2018, a key indicator of economic growth and the visible change that has led to the excitement around the revitalization.”  

According to remarks from Anthony Luker, Southeast Regional Director, Governor Josh Shapiro’s office, “Getting economic development right happens when partners work together. Small businesses and minority-owned businesses are all part of the lifeline of sustainable growth. We’re not okay until we are all okay.”  

Since 2019, the Coatesville region has experienced a 43.7 percent growth of employers. Unemployment has dropped from 15.5 percent in 2015 to 3.7 percent in 2022 (below state levels). Top employers include Communications Test Design (CTDI), Cleveland-Cliffs and, most recently, Piasecki Aircraft, with a 220,000 sq. ft. facility and 400 jobs projected in tech and engineering. 

Eighty-two million dollars has been invested or is intended for infrastructure investment in the city between 2015 and 2025 through federal, state and county funding. Recent funding has supported Lincoln Highway streetscape improvements and Rt. 82 and Lincoln Hwy. intersection realignment, and future funding will address the city’s stormwater repairs, inlet replacements and more.  

“A strong infrastructure is vital to attract business,” said Thom Chiomento, Vice President, Business Development, Government & External Affairs at Pennsylvania American Water, which was the presenting Sponsor for the ACE Forum. “The hard work, leadership, collaboration, and passion of the people that are here today and those who have come before us are changing the economic landscape.” Cleveland-Cliffs and Meridian Bank are also valued sponsors of the ACE Forum.