City of Scranton

What City of Scranton does

The City of Scranton is a municipal government entity incorporated in 1866 and headquartered at 340 N Washington Avenue, Scranton, Pennsylvania. It is the sixth-largest municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with an estimated population of 76,000-80,000 residents and a workforce of 251-500 employees organized across more than a dozen departments including Business Administration (with HR, IT, Treasury, and Building Maintenance bureaus), Economic and Community Development, Public Works (Engineering, Highways, Garages, Refuse & Recycling), Parks and Recreation, Police, Fire, Law, and Public Health. The City is led by Mayor Paige G. Cognetti, the 36th Mayor, sworn in January 2020 and re-inaugurated to a second term in January 2026.

The City operates a multi-platform digital services ecosystem anchored by scrantonpa.gov. Core citizen-facing systems include the Scranton311 Citizen Request Center (ArcGIS-based issue tracking), the Viewpoint Cloud permitting and forms portal, the Granicus-hosted City Council agendas and minutes system, the ARPA interactive spending dashboard, the scrantonpaparking.com portal, and COLTS fixed-route public transit with real-time tracking via the myStop mobile app. Federal grants (notably a $68.7M ARPA allocation plus HUD CDBG, HOME, and ESG awards) fund major infrastructure programs including the $15.3M Downtown Scranton Streetscape. Public safety technology includes Axon body-worn cameras and license plate reader systems.

Revenue is generated through a mix of property and local taxes (including payroll preparation taxes), fees from building permits and parking, COLTS transit fares ($1.75 one-way, $4.00 day pass), and substantial federal and state grant funding. The City shed its Act 47 financially distressed status in 2022, and S&P upgraded its credit rating to BBB+ in March 2024 — the first investment-grade rating since 2011 — producing $2.2M in bond refinancing savings. In 2026 Scranton is hosting one of three Pennsylvania FIFA World Cup Fan Zones and celebrating its 160th anniversary alongside America's 250th, while continuing active infrastructure investment in streetscapes, stormwater management, flood mitigation, and small business grant programs.

Name

City of Scranton

Legal name

City of Scranton

Website

https://scrantonpa.gov

Company type

Public

Founded year

1866

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

The City of Scranton is a Pennsylvania municipal government (incorporated 1866) serving approximately 76,000-80,000 residents through public safety, infrastructure, economic development, and digital civic services including Scranton311 and COLTS public transit.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Municipal Government Services

NAICS

Urban Transit Systems (48511), Bus and Other Motor Vehicle Transit Systems (485113), Fire Protection (922160)

SIC

Local & Suburban Transit & Interurban Hwy Passenger Trans (4100), Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Works & Municipal Infrastructure (Streets, Stormwater, Facilities) (BPAIACAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Housing & Neighborhood Services (Local Housing Programs) (BPAIACAJ), City/Municipal Public Health Departments (HLAJAAAC)

Keywords

• Municipal government services
• Public safety administration
• Community development programs
• Infrastructure management
• Parks and recreation

Headquarters

HQ city

Scranton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Property and Local Taxes: The city generates revenue through property taxes, local taxes, and payroll preparation taxes. The city shed its financially distressed municipality label in 2022 and has had only modest tax increases since 2020.
2. Federal ARPA Funding: The City received $68.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to respond to COVID-19 public health emergency and its economic impacts, allocated to various projects including infrastructure, public safety, and community development.
3. HUD Community Development Block Grants: Federal CDBG funds awarded through HUD for community development projects, small business grants, and neighborhood revitalization programs.
4. Service Fees and Permits: Revenue from building permits, contractor information fees, parking fees, and various municipal service fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The City of Scranton is a municipal government entity that delivers public services to approximately 76,000–80,000 residents through City Hall departments including Business Administration, Human Resources, Information Technology, Treasury, Public Works, Police, Fire, Parks and Recreation, and the Department of Economic and Community Development. Core services encompass public safety, infrastructure maintenance, refuse and recycling, parks, permitting, code enforcement, planning and zoning, economic development, community development (including HUD CDBG-funded microgrants and loan-to-grant programs), stormwater and floodplain management, COLTS public bus transit, and event hosting (e.g., FIFA World Cup Fan Zone, Steamtown Big Boy locomotive visits). Service delivery is conducted via in-person municipal offices, the Scranton311 portal, the Viewpoint Cloud Online Services Portal, Granicus meeting portal, and an ARPA funding dashboard.

Product overview

The City of Scranton operates a multi-platform digital services ecosystem. The primary citizen-facing interface is the scrantonpa.gov website, which serves as the hub for accessing city services. Core digital products include the Scranton311 Citizen Request Center (ArcGIS-based issue tracking), the Viewpoint Cloud-powered Online Services Portal for forms and permits, and the Granicus-hosted City Council Meetings system. The city also provides an interactive ARPA funding dashboard, parking information portal, and COLTS public transit integration with real-time bus tracking via myStop. The infrastructure modernization program includes a $15.3 million downtown streetscape project with digital project tracking. The ecosystem is built on government-specific platforms including OpenGov, Neighborly, Viewpoint Cloud, and Granicus, rather than a unified proprietary product.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Scranton311 Citizen Request Center Online portal for Scranton citizens to submit requests, report municipal issues (such as potholes), and access city services; integrated with ArcGIS for location-based request tracking and resolution.
• COLTS Public Transportation Fixed-route bus service operated through COLTS (Lackawanna County Transit) serving Lackawanna County, with one-way fare of $1.75, Day Pass of $4.00, and real-time bus tracking integration via the myStop mobile app for arrival predictions, route information, and trip-planning.
• Online Services Portal (Viewpoint Cloud) Digital platform for finding and submitting city forms, permit applications, and licensing requests, powered by Viewpoint Cloud integration and accessible to residents and contractors.
• City Council Agendas & Meetings (Granicus) Granicus-hosted system for accessing City Council meeting schedules, agendas, minutes, and legislative documents, providing government transparency and public access to municipal governance records.
• ARPA Interactive Dashboard Interactive public dashboard for tracking the allocation and spending of $68.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal funding across city infrastructure, public safety, and community development projects.
• Parking Services Digital parking information portal providing details on downtown parking garages, parking lots, metered street parking, and applicable rates throughout the City of Scranton.
• Downtown Scranton Streetscape $15.3 million capital infrastructure project delivering new sidewalks, curbs, accessible ramps, period lighting, and underground utility burial throughout Downtown Scranton.
• City Archives Public repository of digital and physical city records, documents, and historical materials maintained by the City of Scranton for resident and researcher access.
• CDBG Small Business Microgrant Program HUD CDBG-funded microgrant program awarding $2,500 to $5,000 in assistance to qualifying new businesses in low-to-moderate-income areas of Scranton; applications reviewed by the SBDC at University of Scranton.
• CDBG Loan to Grant Program HUD CDBG-funded loan-to-grant program providing $35,000 to $140,000 per qualifying new or newly established business in eligible Scranton census tracts.

Quantifiable outcome

• Credit rating improved to BBB+ from BBB- (two-step climb) creating $2.2 million in savings through bond refinancing
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Visit PAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 June 2026Official tourism resource of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, part of DCED. Leads promotion of Pennsylvania's 67 counties as 'The Great American Getaway'. Partnered in presenting the Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zone.
• Times Shamrock Media LLCcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 23 June 2026Local media company based in Scranton owning Rock 107, 92 Mix FM, Fuzz 96.1, and Sports Radio WEJL. Managing the FIFA World Cup Fan Zone events locally.
• Philadelphia Soccer 2026coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 May 2026Official Host Committee for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Philadelphia. Partnered with Scranton to establish one of three Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zones. Provides financial and operational support for watch party events.
• Lackawanna County Visitors BureaucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal destination marketing organization led by Executive Director Curt Camoni. Primary organizer of FIFA World Cup Fan Zone events in Scranton, announcing event details and musical lineup.
• Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at University of ScrantoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides educational programs and business consulting for new business owners applying for CDBG grants. Reviews applications and provides referrals for the microgrant and loan-to-grant programs.
• NeighborWorks Northeastern PennsylvaniacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit community development organization managing West Scranton Neighborhood Plan. Partnered on parking lot dedication and revitalization projects. Over 40 years of neighborhood improvement work.
• Scranton Area Community FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdministers Electric City Fund for parks and historic preservation, disaster recovery grants, and Lackawanna Food Policy Council Fund. Over $100 million in assets under management.
• Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency coordinating traffic signage along I-81 for Big Boy locomotive event. Provides Multimodal Transportation Fund grants for various city projects.
• National Park Service (Steamtown NHS)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSteamtown National Historic Site hosts Big Boy No. 4014 locomotive reunion, drawing tens of thousands of visitors. City collaborates on transportation and parking plans.
• Barry Isett & AssociatesminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering firm that designed the Cedar Avenue streetscape project. Also involved in downtown infrastructure projects.
• American AsphaltminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConstruction contractor leading Cedar Avenue streetscape project implementation.
• Green Valley LandscapingminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLandscaping contractor completing planting for Cedar Avenue streetscape project.
• Geisinger Commonwealth School of MedicineminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for Mayor's 2025 State of the City address at 525 Pine St, Scranton.
• Valley In MotioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit strengthening communities through places and events for connection. Partners on Connell Park Walking Club and National Forum's Move with the Mayor Challenge.
• National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke PreventionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit bringing together cardiovascular health organizations. Partner in Move with the Mayor Challenge promoting physical activity.
• Union PacificmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOwner of Big Boy No. 4014, the country's largest operating steam locomotive visiting Steamtown NHS for display and servicing June 15-30.
• Friends of the PoorminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with City on Novembrino Park playground dedication. Family of Monsignor Anthony C. Marra provided $60,000 memorial donation.
• Greater Scranton Chamber of CommercecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional chamber partnering with City on State of the City address and economic development initiatives.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• City of Bethlehem: Pennsylvania municipality (~75K) of similar size to Scranton operating public transit, public safety, CDBG programs, and downtown revitalization. Comparable administrative scale, tourism positioning (Christmas City), and grant-funded economic development toolkit.
• City of Reading: Smaller PA city (~95K) that also shed Act 47 distressed status and benefits from HUD CDBG programs, with overlapping regional economic profile to Scranton (Rust Belt/post-industrial). Directly comparable on financial turnaround trajectory and federal-grant-driven CDBG deployment.
• City of Lancaster: Similar-sized PA city (~58K) operating public transit (Red Rose Transit), police/fire/public works, downtown streetscape projects, and HUD-funded community development. Comparable in municipal technology adoption and CDBG/HOME grant usage.
• City of Harrisburg: Pennsylvania capital city (~50K) with prior Act 47 recovery status, active CDBG and HUD programming, downtown streetscape and infrastructure initiatives. Comparable on distressed-to-investment-grade turnaround trajectory and federal-grant-driven development model.
• City of Erie: Pennsylvania fourth-largest city (~94K) on Lake Erie with analogous post-industrial economic profile, public transit (EMTA), CDBG deployment, and tourism-event partnerships. Comparable in financial recovery context and federal-grant reliance for capital programs.
• City of Wilkes-Barre: Adjacent NE Pennsylvania city in Luzerne County (~44K). Operates comparable municipal services including police/fire, public works, and Lackawanna Valley/Luzerne transit coordination; subject to similar regional economic and demographic dynamics in NEPA.
• City of Allentown: Pennsylvania mid-sized municipal government (population ~125K) providing comparable services (public safety, COLTS-equivalent transit via LANTA, CDBG grants, downtown revitalization). Closest peer given similar PA city governance, financial recovery context, and federal-grant dependence.
• Lackawanna County: County government that operates the COLTS public transit system that the city of Scranton relies on, co-manages visitor/tourism promotion via the Visitors Bureau, and partners on economic development. Directly comparable on Pennsylvania local-government operating model and grants administration.

Broad incumbents

• City of Pittsburgh: Larger PA municipality (co-host of one of three PA World Cup Fan Zones alongside Scranton) with similar municipal service scope (public safety, transit, public works). Comparable on city technology stack (Granicus, OpenGov, ArcGIS-style portals) and event hosting, though materially larger scale.
• City of Philadelphia: Larger PA municipality (1.6M) anchoring the Philadelphia Soccer 2026 Host Committee that partnered with Scranton for the World Cup Fan Zone. Comparable on government service structure (311 portal, permitting, public safety), though at substantially larger scale and complexity.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/Scranton_Mayor
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCpiDWRUzDpoefdvPjSiQ58w
• Facebookfacebook.com/CityofScranton
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/city-of-scranton
• Instagraminstagram.com/thecityofscranton

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about City of Scranton