Monessen launches initiative to shape economic future
Monessen Mayor Ron Mozer wants his city to take a long-term look into its future and has set a plan in motion to do just that.
A team of nationally and internationally recognized strategic planning experts is working with the city to introduce a decision analysis approach that has been primarily used at national and international levels.
The goal is to provide city leadership and community stakeholders with a structured framework to guide decisions over the next several years while building a shared long-term vision for Monessen.
The initiative is being developed in partnership with a team of experts with experience in national defense strategy, advanced engineering, economic development and workforce planning. Team members have previously advised organizations such as the U.S. Space Force, the U.S. Air Force and NATO.
“We have a pretty good diversity of people that will help us chart a plausible future for Monessen over the course of many different years,” Mozer said. “It’s not only a strategic plan for the future, but it’s one that will hopefully provide a way to see things as they unfold and be able to correct the course along the way.”
Mozer said the effort is being offered to the city at no cost.
“This is an opportunity for Monessen to lead in a new way,” Mozer said. “Instead of reacting to change, we are beginning to use the same long-range planning tools that nations have used to shape their future. It will help us make smarter decisions today that produce stronger outcomes tomorrow.”
Areas of focus for this initiative will include economic development and job creation, workforce training aligned with emerging industries, infrastructure investment, housing and neighborhood revitalization and regional and state partnerships.
Mozer said the idea arose out a trip to Washington, D.C., to see his brother, Dr. Joel Mozer, the former chief scientist for the U.S. Space Force, receive a presidential award.
During the visit, the mayor had a chance to meet a person who has charted future plans for organizations such as the Space Force and NATO.
“He takes all of this data of what’s going on around the world, analyzes it and presents to management what may happen and what is likely to happen and the organizations run accordingly,” Mozer said. “He said Monessen would be an interesting challenge. It’s an old steel city which has lost a lot of its population. The only people that have had this opportunity with this caliber of people have been the federal government and NATO. It’s really an opportunity for Monessen to be showcased as a leader and not a follower.”
The first phase will involve an in-person workshop with city leaders, community members and regional partners, followed by scenario development sessions and a final strategic report. That meeting is expected to take place in April.
City officials expect the process to support existing efforts such as the local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) program, the Neighborhood Partnership Program, and regional development initiatives.
“This is about moving from recovery to leadership,” Mozer said. “We have stabilized our finances, invested over $20 million in critical infrastructure, and removed more than 175 blighted properties. Now, we are taking the next step – using strategic foresight to design a stronger future for our residents.”