The people building regional infrastructure should share its economic rewards. The Delaware Valley Alliance, led by OIC of America, is a coalition of clergy, business leaders, elected officials, and community partners fighting to make that a reality across Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, the people who pay the most into the transportation system too often see the least benefit. The state funds most of its infrastructure work through a regressive gas tax that takes the biggest bite out of the lowest-income households—yet for years; the construction workforce doing that work has looked like nothing like the communities paying for it.
The data tells a stark story. Across heavy equipment operators, skilled laborers, foremen, and supervisors, Black and Latino workers have been dramatically underrepresented on federally funded Pennsylvania highway projects. In some of the highest-paying categories, Black representation has been stuck in the low single digits for years.
This isn’t just a workforce problem. It’s an economic justice problem—and it’s one we can solve.
The DVA’s work on the ground is powered by a coalition of local training organizations—each rooted in the communities they serve, each bringing decades of experience in workforce development and adult education.
Together, these partners form the backbone of the DVA’s training pipeline—preparing Pennsylvanians for living-wage construction careers tailored to their local economies.
The Delaware Valley Alliance briefing booklet lays out the full case: the data behind the disparities, our fight for transparency, the 10,000 Jobs Campaign, and the specific questions we’re asking PennDOT and other state agencies to answer.
The Delaware Valley Alliance is powered by people who refuse to accept that poverty and exclusion are permanent. Whatever your role, there’s a place for you in this work:
Clergy & faith leaders—help us organize your congregations and communities.
Business leaders & employers—partner with us to build the workforce you need.
Elected officials & civic leaders—stand with us for transparency, accountability, and investment.
Community members—raise your voice, share your story, and help us advocate for economic justice.
Fuel the Future of Skilled Trades
Contact Us
Whether you’re an employer, a prospective student, or a future supporter—we’d love to hear from you.
Invest in our people and communities. Contact us with any questions or opportunities by using the form below and our team will get back to you quickly. You can also reach us by phone at (215) 236-4500 or email us at [email protected].
