More than 30 Fayette County residents gathered Tuesday at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, to outline the challenges, strengths and possibilities of the Greater Pittsburgh region.

"The regional visioning initiative" -- known as the Power of 32 -- is receiving input from thousands of people across 32 counties in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Ohio explained local facilitator Wanda Anker of Fay-Penn Economic Development Council.

Anker said the Power of 32 is creating collaboration and a shared vision within the region -- known as "The Steeler Nation" in the initiative’s video.

An estimated 4.2 million people, including 142,805 Fayette County residents, live in the region.

Participants expressed such concerns as improving the region’s educational system; creating high-demand jobs for the future; retaining young people in the area; stimulating economic development; improving transportation and infrastructure; and preserving the region’s natural resources.

Michael Edwards, executive director of the Connellsville Redevelopment Authority and president of the Connellsville Cultural Trust, said he is hoping "to find out what the Power of 32 is all about."

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