Alleghenies Ahead REgional Comprehensive Plan
Southern Alleghenies Region, PA
HOW CAN A RURAL REGION WORK TOGETHER TO COMPETE FOR BUSINESSES AND SKILLED WORKERS?
SUMMARY
czb came to the Southern Alleghenies region of Pennsylvania in 2016 as officials were grappling with the effects of decades of outmigration by younger generations. Hampering their efforts to grow the area’s overall health and long-term competitiveness was a sharply varied capacity on the part of six counties and more than 230 local jurisdictions to make the investments needed to attract households and businesses.
Determined to “plan regionally and implement locally,” officials in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon, and Somerset counties came together to work on a joint comprehensive planning and implementation effort—the largest such effort in the commonwealth—to pave the way for collaboration and action in a region where many opportunities and challenges are shared.
Collaboration is Key
Alleghenies Ahead was shaped by contributions from individuals throughout the region – including 75 residents who served on six county-level steering committees. They, in turn, engaged over 400 of their friends, neighbors, colleagues, and family members in “kitchen table conversations” to discuss the state of their communities, their core values, and how they make decisions.
The work of steering committee members was supplemented by an online survey, a week of open house events throughout the region, and small stakeholder meetings with leaders in key sectors.
"This is the very first time eighteen county commissioners, six county planning commissions, and one regional economic development agency have joined forces to complete such an initiative...We've certainly set a precedent by collaborating and plan to continue to work productively as a region moving forward."
- Katie Kinka | Senior Planner, Cambria County Planning Commission
Six County Action Plans
In addition to the Regional Plan, each county developed its own action plan to guide local implementation of the regional vision.
"I've worked with quite a few consultants during my tenure at SAP&DC, and czb's skill-set, professionalism, and flexibility are unmatched."
- Brandon Carson | Director of Planning and Community Development, Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission
Unanimously Adopted
Alleghenies Ahead: Comprehensive Plan for the Southern Alleghenies Region was released in June 2018 and unanimously adopted by commissioners in all six counties. The plan identifies current conditions, trends, and critical issues; sets specific, actionable priorities; and outlines plans for implementation.
APA 2018 AWARD
Alleghenies Ahead: Comprehensive Plan for the Southern Alleghenies Region won the 2018 Plan Award from the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Planning Association.
"This is an honor bestowed upon everyone who has had a part in developing this plan. The plan publicly recognizes we must make some course changes and be more proactive in capitalizing on the assets the region has to offer, both now and in the future."
- David McFarland | Planning Director, Blair County
Post-Project Impacts
Full Speed Ahead on Broadband
Shortly after the plan’s adoption, a Regional Broadband Task Force was established to coordinate the implementation of improvements to high-speed internet access—one of the plan’s regional priorities. After detailed analysis to determine the most effective means of regional action, Alleghenies Broadband, Inc. was formed in late 2020 to financially support the development of broadband infrastructure in underserved parts of the region.
RELATED NEWS
New broadband nonprofit formed
czb's report for the Southern Alleghenies, PA wins Best Comprehensive Plan Award
County to be Part of Broadband Study
County Planners, Mount Aloysius Team Up to Create, Host Podcast
czb unveils Somerset County comprehensive plan
Officials discuss six-county regional plan, ask for public feedback
RELATED WORK
