Pennovation Works Campus

Slated for the University of Pennsylvania’s innovation corridor, the 455,000+ square-foot life sciences campus was conceived as a next-generation hub for research, development, and biomanufacturing - one designed not only to meet the needs of today’s scientific community, but to evolve alongside the breakthroughs of tomorrow. The project is scheduled to incorporate more than 387,000 square feet of advanced R&D space with over 68,000 square feet dedicated to biomanufacturing, offering flexible, future-ready environments that support discovery at every stage. With sweeping views of Center City and the University of Pennsylvania and seamless connectivity to Pennovation Works amenities, the campus was intentionally designed to foster collaboration, customization, and scientific progress at scale.

Bringing this vision to life required more than development expertise, it demanded disciplined advocacy, strategic storytelling, and the alignment of public and private interests. Casey served as a central leader in building a durable public-private partnership, working directly with the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office, the Office of Economic Development, and a broad coalition of regional stakeholders. Through early engagement, coordinated messaging, and sustained relationship-building, Casey helped shape a compelling narrative around the project’s economic impact, workforce potential, and long-term value to the region’s innovation ecosystem.

As part of this effort, Casey led a comprehensive government advocacy and lobbying strategy to secure a critical extension of the Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ) tax program. Navigating multiple layers of public approval, Casey successfully unified community, education, and government leaders behind a shared vision, as he presented and testified to earn unanimous support from Registered Community Organizations (3–0), the Philadelphia School Board (8–0), and Philadelphia City Council (14–0). This achievement unlocked more than $54 million in construction-related tax savings, materially strengthening the project’s financial viability while reinforcing its role as a cornerstone investment in Philadelphia’s life sciences future.

Collectively, the effort stands as a model for how effective advocacy, public-private collaboration, and results-driven lobbying can accelerate transformational development—delivering measurable economic returns while advancing innovation, community alignment, and long-term regional growth.