The Housing and Economic Development Planning Division works to achieve the housing and economic development goals outlined in the Lancaster County Policy Plan, Balance, the Growth Management Element of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan and Choices, the Housing Element of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan.

The Housing and Economic Development Planning Division is staffed by an array of planning professionals who provide technical assistance and support to the county’s municipalities and non-profit organizations whose mission it is to promote the revitalization of their communities.  The Division provides planning assistance primarily to designated Urban Areas to promote economic health, address housing needs, develop healthy and vibrant downtowns and assist municipalities with business attraction and retention.

In particular, the Housing and Economic Development Planning Division provides staff, technical, research, and GIS support to the City of Lancaster and the County’s 18 Boroughs, and the variety of non-profit Downtown, Main Street and neighborhood, housing and economic development organizations that work in cooperation with their municipal partners.

The Division is also responsible for the administration of the Lancaster County Urban Enhancement Fund Program and for the development of the Lancaster County Economic Development and Sustainability Plan,  Our Economic Future: Strategies and Indicators.

The foundation for all of the Housing and Economic Development Planning Division’s work is communication and collaboration. By forging valuable partnerships with private, public and non-profit organizations, the County works to effectively target limited resources and facilitate revitalization initiatives in communities across Lancaster County.

While supporting the specific community and economic development objectives of Lancaster’s municipalities, the work of the Housing and Economic Development Planning Division actively advances the county-wide smart growth goals of Envision Lancaster County.