20 Years After Billy Joel's 'Allentown'

Twenty years after Bill Joel detailed the region's troubles in his famous single, 'Allentown', the region has grown and diversified its economy.

1 minute read

November 27, 2002, 12:00 PM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen

Joel's 1982 song served as a metaphor for industrial decline in the northeast. The author chronicles the Lehigh Valley region post-steel and finds a growing, productive, diversified economy. "Even today, economic development officials sometimes battle the perception the song created. They've spent two decades looking for a second chance to make a first impression."

Thanks to Kurt Paulsen

FULL STORY: 20 years of 'Allentown'

Wednesday, November 27, 2002 in The Morning Call

Community / Economic Development Pennsylvania

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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