Office of Community Development
Eileen Cipriani, Director
Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am – 4:30 pm
Phone: 570-348-4216
Email: ecipriani@scrantonpa.gov
The Office of Community Development (OCD) aligns Economic and Community Development, Grants, Code Enforcement, and City Planning and Zoning under one umbrella. This restructured department’s mission is to address community, economic and workforce development initiatives in the City. This alignment will better serve the residents and the business community by coordinating services, improving efficiencies and increasing grant funding opportunities.
The Office of Community Development is also responsible for blight and redevelopment. Click here to learn more about the City’s blight and redevelopment initiatives.
Recent News
- Scranton Sets $3M in ARPA Aid, Supports Iconic Business
- Scranton Awards Nearly $1 Million in ARPA Nonprofit Grants
- Scranton Opening Two Small Business ARPA Grants
- Scranton ARPA Wellness Grant Applications Open
- Local Share Account (LSA) Application Instructions & Timeline
Scranton Project Map
Click on the circle to view more information for each project. Click on the two arrows in the top left to view the legend for the map.
American Rescue Plan Funds
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by the 117th United States Congress and signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021.
Of the entire $1.9 trillion bill, $350 billion was allocated to state and local governments to enable them to address strategic economic and infrastructure investments and address governmental budget shortfalls.
The City of Scranton has been awarded a total of $68.7 million in ARPA funds to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency and its economic impacts. To learn more about the City’s ARPA Program, please click here.
Scranton City Council approved ARPA funding to be made available as grants to community organizations, nonprofits, and small business that have faced economic hardship resulting from or exacerbated by the pandemic. Click on the link here to find out more information about Scranton’s ARPA Program and how it may benefit you if you are a…
Non-profit
Small Business
Homeowner or new homebuyer
Childcare service provider
Provider of behavioral health, violence prevention or wellness programs
Economic and Community Development
Community Development manages the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) entitlement grants as well as funding for housing and neighborhood development initiatives. The Department leverages public and private funds to provide affordable housing, promote safe and livable neighborhoods, and stimulate economic development in Scranton.
Economic Development‘s fundamental goals are to attract new business and create a streamlined process for businesses to open their doors in the city and is instrumental in ongoing revitalization of the entire City of Scranton. This office provides resources and possible funding opportunities for public and private development.
Thinking about investing in Scranton? Consider viewing a map of our Qualified Opportunity Zones! Click hereto learn more about the benefits of investing in Qualified Opportunity Zones.
Grants
The oversight of city grants is performed by the City’s grant writer located in the Office of Community Development. The oversight includes all city and community applications where the city is serving as the fiscal agent and applicant. This alignment improves the effectiveness and success of the city’s grant applications. This Department coordinates grant applications with the needs identified in the capital budget and results in efficiently allocated funds for city projects.
Code Enforcement
Code Enforcement (previously Licensing, Inspections, and permits) enforces land and property codes to support a healthy, safe, and vibrant community for Scranton Residents. The department investigates complaints about possible violations and takes action to mitigate quality of life concerns. This department also distributes permits and conducts inspections for homes, rental properties, and businesses. Having the Code Enforcement Department under the umbrella of OCD helps support a “One Stop Shop” for prospective businesses.
City Planning and Zoning
City Planning and Zoning works in conjunction with the community to shape the future of Scranton for the benefit of both current and future residents, employees, and visitors. City Planning and Zoning defines long-term visions for the City, as well as regulates land use and development, reviews zoning ordinances and applications, preservation of historic structures, and promotes the comprehensive growth and well-being of the City and its neighborhoods.
