It's not the first time economic development has been the topic of local leaders.

But the eight entities in Berks County that released a new report today said it's the first time they've taken on the topic with such a collaborative perspective.

There has been lots of money spent on studies and strategic plans over the years.

Local officials said this new report is different.

They looked back at the plans already in place and found ways to bring them up to date and accelerate progress in and around Reading.

It's using the ingredients that we know are here that we can build upon, and also adding to the elements that were not mentioned in any of the other prior studies, said Jon Scott, president, Berks Economic Partnership.

The report, Ride To Prosperity , has a projected three to five year time line for results, quick by economic development standards.

The required quarterly public reports are even more of an industry anomaly, according to national consultant and Berks County native, Dr. Erik Pages.

Let's be honest, said Pages. In economic development, you don't show a lot of change in a quarter. This is a long-term process.

The report builds on five key areas, including work force development.

Reading Area Community College is the primary target.

To encourage more people to consider two year degrees and that sort of terminal training at that point, said Pages, that's going to be the most important part of this effort.

Quality of life also makes the list.

The familiar Penn Corridor project is once again the focus of leaders, starting with the 400 and 500 blocks in the city.

Where we can try to make it cleaner, safer, brighter and then look at the possibility of getting additional businesses in, said Scott.

The overall message is familiar, but leaders said this strategy's different.

You go to a place that's thriving and prosperous and successful and has momentum around economic development, said Scott. You don't have as much of that back stabbing and that sniping. People are like, yeah, this is a place that's on the move. We've got to get that kind of momentum.

There are action teams in place to work on each piece of this plan.