Molly Henderson on Economic Development

 I support sustainable economic development for Lancaster County.  During my last three and one-half years as County Commissioner, my economic development efforts have been focused in the following areas:

Workforce Development – I am a member of the Workforce Investment Board  (the WIB) and actively involved in the Board’s outstanding efforts to develop the trained workforce which is the backbone of all economic development.  I also monitor and support the efforts of the County’s LETA (Lancaster Employment & Training Agency) in coordination with the WIB. A superior labor force with a strong work ethic that is skilled and knowledgeable must be sustained. We also need to ensure that all of our residents have an equal opportunity to share in the economic prosperity of our County.

Transportation – I Chair the County’s MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) and participate in TTAC (the Technical Transportation Advisory Committee).  Together with the County’s own Transportation Authority, these organizations work to coordination federal, state and local funds to improve the necessary transportation infrastructure to support economic development.

Planning – I support the County Planning Department’s Economic Development Planning Division in its implementation of both the County Policy Plan and the Smart Growth Goals of Envision Lancaster County.   The Economic Planning Division implements initiatives based on the “sustainable economic development” and “revitalization” focus areas of the Policy Plan, providing practical assistance to Lancaster’s municipalities, the business community, as well as the county’s network of economic development providers.  

Smart Growth sustains the local economy, enhances the character, vitality, and livability of the community, and maintains or improves the quality of the environment 

A sustainable economy is diverse, grows sufficiently to create meaningful jobs, reduces poverty, and increases the opportunity for a high quality for all without degrading the natural and cultural heritage of the community. It is also capable of meeting the needs of its present population without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Private Sector – I have been a participant in the Economic Development Company of Lancaster’s “Lancaster Prospers” effort since its inception in 2003.  I support its seven goals and strategies.

Targeted, Leveraged Project Funding – I have supported seed money for projects that generate economic development, either directly as with the City’s Northwest Triangle infrastructure revitalization, or indirectly through quality of life and heritage recreational and cultural activities such as the Baseball Stadium, the Pennsylvania Academy of Music, Parks and Trails, and the Bethel AME Underground Railroad facility.

Future – One important area which needs urgently to be addressed in my next term is adequate, safe and secure water resources to support continued economic development..

Paid for by Molly Henderson for County Commissioner