Central New Jersey - Raritan Valley - Transportation Study, PA Component

The results of a study funded by Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) and Lehigh and Northampton counties examining the feasibility of connecting passenger rail service with New Jersey’s Raritan Valley Line, as well as bus alternatives to both Bridgewater, N.J., and Manhattan were formally released to the public on April 19, 2010.

The findings, compiled over a nine-month period by SYSTRA and continuing a study that they had performed for New Jersey Transit (NJT), garnered the input of several public and agency participants and were designed to provide Lehigh Valley, state and federal decision makers information to determine whether the concept warranted additional study and development.

Central New Jersey - Raritan Valley - Transportation Study PA Component

2009-2014 LVEDC Strategic Plan
Our business is the Lehigh Valley’s future.  At a time when the economies of the world are facing historic challenges, we at the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) are committed to the continued growth of our region.   Successful regional economic development requires an advocate who creates and develops a vision then builds consensus and doggedly implements an agenda that integrates all of a region’s professional, social and cultural advantages to attract new businesses and advance existing ones.

We believe in the potential of the Lehigh Valley to thrive.  In 2008, LVEDC embarked on a strategic planning process that resulted in the attached Five Year Strategic Plan for the organization.  This plan will serve as a guide for progressive and cutting-edge regional efforts that will result in continued success in retaining, attracting and creating businesses of all sizes in the Lehigh Valley.

2009-2014 LVEDC Strategic Plan (PDF)


The Lehigh Valley’s 2010 Economic Development Priorities
Representatives from the region’s two counties and three cities presented their 2010 Economic Development Priorities for the Lehigh Valley to the LVEDC Legislative and Government Relations Committee and the LVEDC Planning Committee.  The committees will attempt to procure Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program (RCAP) funding for the projects. The top ranked-of which will be written into the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy that federal officials will review.

The Lehigh Valley's 2010 Economic Development Priorities (PDF)

2008 Portrait of Latino Business Owners and Professionals in the Lehigh Valley
The study was commissioned by the Latino Economic Council (LEC) of LVEDC as part of a larger effort to increase the visibility and success of Latino business owners and professionals in the region.  The Lehigh Valley Workforce Investment Board, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Foundation, LVEDC, Air Products Foundation, Sovereign Bank and PPL provided the funding to launch and complete the study. 

2008 Latino Study Complete Document (PDF)


Life Sciences Study

Life Sciences Study (PDF) 

Latino Study
The Latino community is the region’s fastest growing population, accounting for nearly 10 percent of the Lehigh Valley’s residents.  In order to better understand how we can serve, support and empower the Latino community, LVEDC partnered with Alegre Research and Demographics to conduct a study and comprehensive analysis of the Lehigh Valley’s Latino population.

In the course of the study, principle researcher Lillian Escobar-Haskins gathered a tremendous amount of sociodemographic information, provided a historical background of the Latino community, conducted surveys and personal interviews with Latino and non-Latino community leaders, social services agencies, government officials and economic development groups. The results were published and released in the September 2005 report, Latinos in the Lehigh Valley: The Dynamics and Impact of this Growing and Changing Population.

Latino Study (PDF)


Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (PDF) Economic development planning document for Lehigh and Northampton Counties.