2026 State of the County

Description

State of the County | Program Overview

This year’s State of the County offers a focused look at the unique conditions shaping Lancaster County’s continued growth and the shared responsibility we have in sustaining it.

Lancaster County’s momentum is driven by more than individual projects. It is shaped by larger, community-wide initiatives that position us for long-term growth and reinforce what sets this region apart. These are the efforts that not only support today’s economy, but actively build the foundation for what comes next. 

Through a series of focused insights, attendees will hear directly from leaders advancing this work:

• Anna Ramos will open with an overview of the current state of Lancaster County’s workforce and share progress and priorities from the Workforce 2030 collaboration.
• Diana Martin will provide context on the county’s housing landscape, grounded in recent data, and outline the path forward through Lancaster Housing Works, including the development of its first facility.
• Ezra Rothman will close with a look at Lancaster County’s economic outlook, highlighting both established strengths and emerging opportunities, including the growing impact of the Outdoor Economy.

The program will conclude with a Q&A, offering an opportunity to further explore these critical topics and what they mean for our business community

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor!

Meet our speakers! 

Anna Ramos

Executive Director - Workforce Development Board

Anna Ramos is the Executive Director of the Lancaster County Workforce Development Board, bringing more than 24 years of workforce development experience, including leadership roles with PA CareerLink and the Lancaster Chamber. She plays a key role in strengthening the county’s workforce ecosystem by partnering with businesses and community organizations to build strong talent pipelines, aligning workforce strategy with employer needs, and supporting collaborative initiatives that connect education, training, and industry. Anna is deeply involved in local and state workforce initiatives and serves on several boards supporting community and economic development.

Ezra Rothman

President - EDC Lancaster County

Ezra Rothman  is the President of EDC Lancaster County, the lead economic development entity serving Lancaster County. In this role, he leads EDC Lancaster County as well as its sister organizations: EDC Finance Corporation, an organization that provides financing to growing businesses in partnership with local banks and government lending programs, and EDC’s Center for Regional Analysis, which focuses on proving business and community leaders with local economic trends and insights. Ezra has been with the organization since 2018, previously leading EDC’s strategic initiatives and partnerships. That work included projects related to the long-term economic viability of Lancaster County focused on industrial land availability, water/ sewer infrastructure, broadband, and urban redevelopment.

Diana Martin

Director of High Impact - High Foundation

Diana Martin is the Director of High Impact at High Foundation, where she leads the organization’s strategic initiatives in affordable housing and environmental stewardship. In this role, she serves as Executive Director of two affiliated nonprofit organizations: Lancaster Housing Works, which increases the supply of affordable workforce housing for residents earning 50–80% of Area Median Income, and Partners for Environmental Stewardship, which is leading the creation of a new environmental center and nature preserve in the City of Lancaster. Diana has an extensive background in the community benefit sector, including previous leadership roles at Hourglass, Rodale Institute, and the Lancaster County Community Foundation.