The Philadelphia region is growing and changing as the result of visionary leadership, but competition for jobs and new residents remains high. The initiatives profiled in this section represent the Department’s on-going efforts to address the challenges to economic development in Philadelphia, and are some of the best opportunities the City has to remain competitive.

Campus Philly
With 366,000 students already attending college and graduate school in the region and 66,000 degrees conferred each year, Philadelphia has a unique opportunity to retain talent as building blocks of our economy.  Campus Philly markets opportunities for social, community and professional engagement in Greater Philadelphia to college students throughout the student life cycle: from college prospect, to enrolled student, to graduate. 

Graduate! Philadelphia
More than 80,000 adult Philadelphians have some college credits, but did not stay long enough to earn their degree. Graduate! Philadelphia, provides free guidance and support for adults seeking to return to college and complete their studies. 

Urban Industry Initiative
The Urban Industry Initiative (UII) seeks to create and retain manufacturing jobs in Philadelphia neighborhoods through a comprehensive strategy that strengthens businesses and builds relationships between manufacturers and their community.