Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline recently renewed the county's partnership with Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance in support of the revitalization and economic development of the city of Coatesville.

The board of commissioners extended a contract through the Department of Community Development at its final public meeting of 2021, providing funding in support of two full-time positions dedicated to working with the City of Coatesville, the County of Chester, and private and public organizations for the overall advancement of Coatesville. Specifically, the funding maintains the partnership with Coatesville's 2nd Century Alliance and extends the contracts of Sonia Huntzinger as economic development administrator and Urias Cole as community coordinator for the City of Coatesville.

Huntzinger was appointed to her position by the Chester County Board of Commissioners and representatives for Coatesville's 2nd Century Alliance in March 2016. Since that time, the 2nd Century Alliance has secured a Wells Fargo regional grant for a neighborhood strengthening initiative that focuses on improving homeownership rates and public safety for the city's residents.

Over the past five years, state funding has also driven public and private support for Coatesville's downtown revitalization, resulting in the appointment of a downtown manager, cleanup and planting programs and initiatives to retain and recruit businesses. Huntzinger added that county funding has also helped to support the Coatesville Redevelopment Authority.