Smart Growth office coordinator and grant writer Leanne Griffith passed away after a long and brave battle with liver cancer on August 24, 2022 Prior to joining Smart Growth, Leanne worked as a middle school teacher for Indiana Area Junior High School. She held a B.S. in biology and general science education from Penn State University and a teaching certification from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She previously worked as a dairy farmer, as the conservation educator at the Westmoreland … [Read more...]

Thank you to all who attended in person, virtually, or simply in spirit at the Smart Growth Partnership of Westmoreland County 20th Anniversary celebration on Wednesday, October 13, 2021. The celebration, held at J. Roy Houston Conservation Center and Pavilion in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, brought together our partners, funders, and community members to highlight the Smart Growth Partnership's achievements and highlights from the past 20 years. Frank Cassell, Allen Kukovich, Linda McKenna … [Read more...]

From the Penn State University website: "UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Pedestrian and cyclists’ safety in community settings will be the topic of a web-based seminar offered by Penn State Extension at noon July 15. The 90-minute session addresses an important issue. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, the number of pedestrians and cyclists killed each year is growing. Research conducted by the federal agency shows that while there … [Read more...]

From PSU Extension: No other issue touches so many aspects of local government -- from economic development, to community planning, to expanding educational opportunities and building government transparency and engaging residents and other stakeholders in community decision-making. In response to COVID-19, schools have closed, and non-essential government employees have been instructed to work from home. These necessary changes in daily life require a necessary service – reliable … [Read more...]

Originally published on TribLive.com. "Online surveys will allow residents of Smithton and Scottdale to provide input for potential improvements to support walking, bicycling and other non-motorized modes of transportation in the communities. The surveys, available through June 30 at smithtonboro.us and scottdaleborough.com, will be used in developing an Active Transportation Plan and a Complete Streets Policy for the boroughs. Active transportation refers to any mode that is … [Read more...]