By Carrie Machuga, AICP

The Southwest Section held two events focused on community revitalization this year. In April, the section gathered in New Kensington to hear from major players working to revitalize the city. Representatives from Penn State – New Kensington, the City of New Kensington, Westmoreland County IDC, and local developers and community leaders spoke about the collaboration among all partners to revitalize downtown New Kensington, progress that has been made, lessons learned, and what is next to keep growing and revitalizing.

On October 2, the section presented the second of the two-part series. The event featured Jeff Siegler, Founder of Revitalize or Die. Jeff discussed Mt Lebanon’s comprehensive plan, including its foundational public engagement and input and future implementation planning. Attendees even had the opportunity to tour the commercial corridor, view their streetscape improvements, and hear about future placemaking efforts.