PADM 530 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN _Research_Paper_2024.pdf

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN 1

Economic Development Analysis and Action Plan for Adams County, Pennsylvania (with a

focus on Gettysburg)

Priscilla E. Pryor

Helms School of Government, Liberty University

PADM 530: Politics, Strategies, and Initiatives of Community Economic Development

Professor Olivia McDonald

March 8, 2024

challenges for the agricultural sector, requiring innovative sustainability and market

diversification approaches.

Furthermore, the regulatory landscape and governmental atmosphere in Adams County

play a pivotal role in shaping economic policies and initiatives. Understanding the interplay

between local governance, public policy, and economic development is crucial for formulating

effective strategies that align with community needs and aspirations.

Adams County, Pennsylvania, encompasses a tapestry of economic dynamics, with its

centerpiece being the historic town of Gettysburg. This county, nestled in the picturesque

landscape of south-central Pennsylvania, draws its economic vitality from a blend of rich history,

bountiful agricultural lands, burgeoning tourism, and a diverse array of industries. To

comprehend the economic landscape of Adams County is to embark on a journey through time,

where echoes of the past mingle with the rhythms of the present, shaping the region's

socioeconomic fabric.

At the heart of Adams County's economic narrative lies its tourism sector, anchored by

the iconic battlefield of Gettysburg, where one of the most pivotal battles of the American Civil

War was fought. This historical significance attracts millions of visitors annually, drawn to the

hallowed grounds where the course of history was altered. The tourism industry in Gettysburg

extends beyond battlefield tours to encompass a myriad of experiences, including historic site

visits, museum explorations, ghost tours, and cultural events. This influx of visitors not only

sustains local businesses but also fuels economic growth through spending on accommodations,

dining, retail, and entertainment. However, the seasonal nature of tourism presents challenges, as

visitation tends to peak during the summer months and decline during the winter, leading to

and other fruits flourish in Adams County's orchards, contributing to the county's reputation as a

premier fruit-growing region. The agricultural sector not only provides a source of livelihood for

local farmers but also serves as an essential component of the county's identity and economy.

This agriculture sector complements tourism greatly.

In addition to tourism and agriculture, Adams County boasts a diverse array of industries

that contribute to its economic resilience. Manufacturing firms dot the landscape, producing

goods ranging from food products to machinery, and providing employment opportunities for

residents. The education and healthcare sectors are also significant contributors to the local

economy, with institutions such as Gettysburg College and WellSpan Health serving as pillars of

the community. Furthermore, small businesses play a vital role in driving economic activity,

adding to the county's entrepreneurial spirit and sense of community.

Recent initiatives, such as the Spark Loan Program introduced by the Adams Economic

Alliance, underscore the community's commitment to supporting small businesses in Adams

County (Collingwood, 2023). This revolving loan program, designed to provide financial

assistance and stimulate investment, represents a strategic effort to bolster local entrepreneurship

and spur economic growth. With its inclusive eligibility criteria and versatile utilization of funds,

the economic revitalization efforts of Adams County include the recognition of Main Street

Gettysburg as an Accredited Main Street America program, which underscores the ongoing

commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization within

the county (Wolf, 2022). Similarly, the agricultural sector grapples with issues such as labor

shortages, market fluctuations, and environmental sustainability concerns, highlighting the need

for innovative solutions and resource management practices.

Recent economic trends, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, have further

underscored the region's resilience and adaptability (Barstow, 2020). Travel restrictions,

lockdown measures, and reduced consumer spending have posed significant challenges for

businesses reliant on tourism revenue. However, the community has responded with resilience,

creativity, and innovation, leveraging digital technologies to offer virtual experiences, online

sales platforms, and outdoor activities that adhere to public health guidelines.

Looking ahead, Adams County stands at a crossroads, poised to harness its strengths,

address its challenges, and embrace opportunities for growth and prosperity. By fostering

collaboration between government, businesses, educational institutions, and community

stakeholders, the county can develop strategic initiatives that promote economic diversification,

and prosperity. Foremost among these challenges is the county's heavy reliance on seasonal

tourism, particularly centered around the historic town of Gettysburg. While the influx of visitors

during peak tourist seasons provides a significant economic boost, the county experiences

downturns during off-peak periods, leading to revenue fluctuations and employment instability.

This dependency on seasonal tourism leaves local businesses vulnerable to external factors such

as inclement weather, economic downturns, and unforeseen events like the COVID-19

pandemic.

Moreover, despite its historical significance and natural beauty, Adams County's

economy remains relatively concentrated in a few key sectors, namely tourism and agriculture.

While these industries contribute significantly to the county's economy, their narrow focus leaves

Adams County vulnerable to fluctuations and shocks in global markets, changing consumer

preferences, and environmental challenges. The lack of economic diversification hinders the

county's ability to adapt to changing economic conditions and capitalize on emerging

opportunities in other sectors.

Income disparities and socioeconomic inequities compound challenges in Adams County,

disproportionately affecting marginalized communities and rural areas. While tourism and

empowerment in sustainable rural development, highlighting the need to address disparities and

promote well-being.

Environmental sustainability is also a pressing concern for Adams County, particularly

the agricultural sector. Intensive farming practices and urban development encroach upon

valuable farmland and natural habitats, threatening biodiversity and environmental resilience.

Climate change poses additional risks to agricultural productivity, with extreme weather events

and shifting growing seasons affecting crop yields and farmer livelihoods.

Infrastructure and transportation deficiencies pose significant challenges to Adams

County's economic growth and connectivity. Despite its proximity to major cities, the region

grapples with inadequate roadways, limited public transportation options, and insufficient

broadband connectivity, all of which hinder accessibility and restrict opportunities for business

expansion, tourism development, and workforce mobility. Bezerra et al. (2020) further elucidated

that while increasing transportation infrastructure in small urban areas, such as Adams County,

acknowledges potential benefits, it also raises concerns about the preservation of cultural

heritage. Additionally, addressing the skills gap and promoting workforce development are

essential for ensuring the county's workforce remains competitive and adaptable in the modern

According to recent projections by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, Adams County is expected

to decline by 12% in population by 2050, while neighboring York County anticipates a 4%

growth (Albring, 2024). These demographic shifts underscore the importance of proactive

planning and collaborative action to ensure the county's long-term sustainability and vitality.

SWOT Analysis

Adams County, Pennsylvania, presents a dynamic economic landscape with a blend of

strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) that shape its socioeconomic

trajectory. Recognizing these internal and external factors is crucial for devising effective

strategies to capitalize on strengths, address weaknesses, seize opportunities, and mitigate

threats.

navigates through these complexities, it must confront the legacy of its past while striving to

build an inclusive and equitable future for all residents.

In summary, legal and public policy issues profoundly shape economic development in

Adams County, influencing regulatory frameworks, land use policies, fiscal strategies,

infrastructure investments, environmental regulations, and labor laws. Tackling these challenges

demands a comprehensive and collaborative approach, involving government entities, private

shaping economic policies, regulatory frameworks, and public services that directly impact the

county's business environment, community development, and overall quality of life.

Understanding the dynamics of local governance, political structures, and administrative

processes is essential for assessing the county's capacity to address economic challenges, foster

growth, and promote collaboration among stakeholders.

Adams County operates within a framework of local government that includes elected

officials, appointed administrators, and various departments responsible for delivering services

and implementing policies (“Adams County, Pennsylvania,” n.d.). The Board of Commissioners

serves as the county's chief governing body, responsible for setting policies, approving budgets,

and overseeing county operations. Additionally, elected officials such as the District Attorney,

Sheriff, and Prothonotary fulfill specific roles within the county government, ensuring the

administration of justice, public safety, and legal affairs.

The governmental atmosphere in Adams County is characterized by a commitment to

transparency, accountability, and public engagement. Regular meetings of the Board of

Commissioners provide opportunities for residents, businesses, and community organizations to

voice concerns, provide input on policy matters, and engage with elected officials (“Adams

efforts, intergovernmental agreements, and shared services arrangements, Adams County seeks

to enhance efficiency, reduce duplication of efforts, and maximize the impact of public

investments. Moreover, collaboration with state and federal agencies, as well as non-profit

organizations and private sector stakeholders, further enriches the county's capacity to address

complex issues and leverage resources for the benefit of the community.

The governmental atmosphere in Adams County reflects a commitment to fiscal

responsibility and prudent management of public resources. Budgetary decisions are guided by

principles of fiscal conservatism, balanced budgets, and long-term financial sustainability.

Additionally, the county's adherence to sound financial practices, including transparent budgeting

processes, regular audits, and prudent debt management, instills confidence among residents,

investors, and businesses, fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and

investment. As highlighted by Sobel et al. (2022), such practices allow “governments in these

historic jurisdictions to levy higher taxes, impose burdensome regulations, and expropriate

property for cultural historic preservation, leading to worse economic institutions and the

potential for increased government corruption and worse bureaucratic quality” (para. 8).

Political dynamics within Adams County significantly influence the formulation and

local economic initiatives such as the Spark Loan Program, spearheaded by the Adams Economic

Alliance, are pivotal in shaping the county's economic landscape. Designed to rejuvenate retail

and service sectors hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, this program offers essential support to

small businesses. Through a revolving loan fund, businesses can access financial assistance for

various needs, including equipment acquisition, inventory, working capital, and debt refinancing.

The Spark Loan Program, aligned with the Pennsylvania State Small Business Credit Initiative,

showcases the collaborative efforts between local and federal entities to enhance economic

resilience. As emphasized by Kaycee Kemper, vice president of Adams Economic Alliance, this

initiative not only addresses immediate challenges but also lays the foundation for sustained

support and growth in Adams County's small business sector (Gruver, 2023).

In summary, the governmental atmosphere in Adams County reflects a commitment to

transparency, accountability, and collaboration in addressing economic challenges, fostering

growth, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. Through effective governance,

strategic partnerships, and prudent fiscal management, Adams County endeavors to create an

environment that nurtures innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development for

generations to come.

industries susceptible to seasonal fluctuations and external shocks. The county can create a more

resilient and dynamic economy by attracting new industries and nurturing emerging sectors such

as technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. This involves creating an environment

conducive to business formation and expansion, offering incentives for targeted industries, and

fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem that encourages innovation and risk-taking. Pasalar and

Hallowell (2019) highlighted how “the popular technology of our times has focused on the

creation of mechanical, controllable, and profitable means abstracted from the particularities of

place” (p. 448), suggesting the importance of integrating place-based considerations into

economic development strategies.

In tandem with economic diversification, enhancing the tourism sector remains a priority

for Adams County. Building upon its rich historical heritage and natural beauty, the county can

expand tourism offerings and experiences to attract visitors year-round. This entails developing

new attractions, events, and recreational activities that cater to diverse interests and

demographics. Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as transportation networks and

visitor amenities, is also essential to enhance accessibility and visitor experience.

Furthermore, supporting agricultural innovation and sustainability practices is crucial for

As Falcone (2019) aptly stated, “Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the

world and one of the most remarkable socio-economic phenomena of the current era” (para. 3).

This sentiment holds for Adams County as well, where tourism serves as a cornerstone of the

local economy, attracting millions of visitors each year to experience the rich historical heritage

and natural beauty of the region.

Moreover, a skilled and adaptable workforce is vital for driving economic growth and

innovation. Therefore, strengthening workforce development efforts is a key component of the

action plan. Collaborating with educational institutions, employers, and industry associations,

Adams County can identify workforce needs, expand training programs in high-demand fields,

and facilitate apprenticeships and internships to bridge the skills gap and ensure a pipeline of

talent for local businesses.

Strategic investments in infrastructure are essential to support economic growth and

enhance the quality of life for residents. Adams County must prioritize infrastructure projects

that improve transportation networks, expand broadband access, and enhance public amenities

(McGinnis, 2022). By modernizing infrastructure and addressing critical infrastructure gaps, the

county can attract businesses, facilitate commerce, and improve connectivity for residents and

contributing $82.1 million to the local economy. This underscores the importance of continued

support and investment in small businesses to drive local economic growth.

Environmental sustainability is another critical consideration in the economic

development plan for Adams County. By promoting sustainable practices and conservation

efforts, the county can protect its natural resources, preserve biodiversity, and mitigate the

impacts of climate change. Implementing green initiatives, supporting renewable energy projects,

and partnering with conservation organizations can further enhance the county's environmental

stewardship efforts.

Moreover, Main Street Gettysburg demonstrates its commitment to preserving its heritage

while embracing future opportunities. Located in the historic downtown area of Gettysburg, this

nonprofit organization will participate in an innovative program focused on assisting rural small

business owners (Gruver, 2023). Collaborating with Main Street America, Pennsylvania

Downtown Center, and the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, Main

Street Gettysburg will play a crucial role in developing new tools to support businesses.

President Jill Sellers (2023), the President of Main Street Gettysburg, expressed enthusiasm for

this initiative, highlighting its potential to help businesses adapt and thrive in rural communities.

a desirable destination for visitors, businesses, and residents. By developing a comprehensive

marketing strategy, leveraging digital platforms and social media channels, and participating in

industry trade shows and events, the county can raise awareness, attract investment, and promote

economic growth.

In conclusion, the action plan for economic development in Adams County outlines a

strategic roadmap for fostering sustainable growth, enhancing competitiveness, and improving

the overall quality of life for residents. By diversifying the economy, enhancing tourism,

supporting agriculture, strengthening workforce development, investing in infrastructure,

supporting small businesses, promoting environmental sustainability, fostering collaboration, and

implementing effective marketing and promotion strategies, Adams County can position itself for