Mission
The Smart Growth Partnership (SGP) enables communities to enhance their viability, quality of life, and long-term sustainability by providing education and technical assistance, and by promoting smart growth principles.
Vision
Through the efforts of the Smart Growth Partnership, smart growth principles and practices have been instilled into the governance and development of Westmoreland County. The Smart Growth Partnership is recognized by the communities of Westmoreland County as a quality community resource for land use, education, and technical assistance.
The Ten Smart Growth Principles
Learn more about each of the Smart Growth Principles, and how your community can implement them —
https://smartgrowthamerica.org/our-vision/what-is-smart-growth/
https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/smart-growth-small-towns-and-rural-communities
The Smart Growth Partnership of Westmoreland County can help you.
Contact us — https://smartgrowthpa.org/contact/
How Smart Growth Partnership Was Formed
The Smart Growth Partnership originated from the City of Greensburg‘s Bicentennial Celebration in 1999. The slogan for that yearlong event was “What a Past – What a Future.” This phrase prompted the then-President of the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg (UPG), Dr. Frank Cassell, to convene an assembly of community leaders at the campus to identify major community problems that needed to be addressed. Sprawl and related issues seemed to be the group’s greatest concern.
Concurrently, then-Senator Allen Kukovich and his staff were developing a proposal for a public-private partnership to help address the issues of community planning in the region.
In the fall of 1999, a meeting of these community leaders was convened at the campus of the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg to discuss the direction of growth in Westmoreland County. An idea was presented and accepted to establish a local private non-profit organization that would work in partnership with communities and other organizations to promote effective comprehensive planning. During the following year, many meetings were held as the idea was refined and fashioned into a working partnership.
The core group became known as the Board of Directors. This group oversees the financial dealings of the Partnership and works with the Executive Director to set policy direction. The Board of Directors meets on a quarterly basis. For more information about the Board members, please see the Board of Director Profiles.
At the close of 2000, the Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation, John A. Robertshaw, Jr. and Allegheny Power committed funding to support the SGP. These, along with the Mary Jennings Hillman Foundation that began its support of Smart Growth in July of 2001, committed nearly $300,000 to start up the SGP.
The Smart Growth Partnership was housed at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg from its inception until June 30, 2008. On July 1, 2008 the organization became a partnered program of the Penn State Extension and soon also established itself as a 501(c)3 organization. Smart Growth offices are currently located within the Penn State Extension offices at 214 Donohoe Road Suite E, Greensburg, PA 15601.
In 2021, the SGPWC celebrated its 20th year of serving Westmoreland communities. Learn more —
https://smartgrowthpa.org/smart-growth-partnership-of-westmoreland-county-celebrates-20-years-of-community-planning-accomplishments-in-westmoreland/
https://smartgrowthpa.org/smart-growth-partnerships-top-20-list/
Funding
The Smart Growth Partnership deeply appreciates the generosity of its funders. Without their support we could not exist. If you would like to make a donation or otherwise partner with us, see — https://smartgrowthpa.org/get-involved/
Current and Previous Funders
- Penn State Extension
- Westmoreland County Extension Association
- Richard King Mellon Foundation
- PA WalkWorks, PA Department of Health
- Robertshaw Charitable Foundation
- Community Foundation of Westmoreland County
- Allegheny Foundation
- McCune Foundation
- Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation
- National Association Realtors
- Greater Allegheny-Kiski Area Board of Realtors
- The Heinz Endowments
- John A. Robertshaw, Jr.
- Laurel Foundation
- West Penn Power (formerly Allegheny Power)
- McFeely-Rogers Foundation
- Arnold D. & Winifred W. Palmer Foundation
- University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
- Private donations and sponsorships
- Fees for services to communities
Funding and Sponsorship Opportunities
Please call 724-837-1402 to discuss funding or sponsorship opportunities with Smart Growth Partnership staff.
