Westmoreland County Planning

08/13/2026

🔆Funding Spotlight: Elm Street Designation, part of the Main Street Matters Program, focuses on encouraging projects to include adjacent neighborhoods into community downtown or commercial district revitalization efforts. Benefits of this program may include better connections between commercial and downtown areas to nearby neighborhoods, prioritized consideration for funding, training and technical assistance, and tax credit opportunities.

While applications for a designation can be submitted on a rolling basis, for communities looking to apply for competitive funding without a Main Street Designation, the application window is open through August 31st.

Interested in applying? Communities can reach out to DCED representative Johnna Pro ([email protected]) to discuss requirements and interest. With notice to move forward, applicants can contact the program resource account ([email protected]) for application instructions. The DCED will then make final decisions on designations.

Please see the link below for more information on this program.
https://dced.pa.gov/programs/main-street-matters/

08/12/2026

🔆Funding Spotlight: USDA is now accepting applications for the Rural Development Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program. This program provides offers low-interest direct loans, grants (or combination of both) to help develop essential community facilities and infrastructure. Applications are accepted year-round.

Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include public bodies and community-based non-profit corporations in rural areas (cities, townships, villages, etc.) with 20,000 or fewer residents.

What can funding be used for?
Funds can be used to purchase, construct, and/or improve essential community facilities, purchase equipment, and pay related project expenses. Examples include:
• Healthcare: clinics, hospitals, nursing homes or assisted living facilities
• Public Facilities: town halls or street improvements
• Community Support Services: community centers, childcare centers, etc.
• Public Safety: fire or police stations, public works equipment, and vehicles
• Educational Services: libraries, museums, or private schools
• Utility Services: distance learning equipment or telemedicine
• Local Food Systems: community gardens, food pantries, community kitchens, etc.

To get started, interested applicants should reach out to the county’s designated loan specialist, Ron Moore at [email protected] to discuss your specific project.

See the link below for more program information.
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program

08/12/2026

🔆Funding Spotlight: The Main Streets Designation, part of the Main Street Matters Program, provides grant funding and support to help communities revitalize downtown and commercial districts. Benefits of this program may include funding for operational support, priority consideration for DCED programs, technical assistance and training for local community leaders, networking opportunities, and Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) and Neighborhood Assistance Program Enterprise Zone Tax Credit (NAP/EZP).

While applications for a designation can be submitted on a rolling basis, for communities looking to apply for competitive funding without a Main Street Designation, the application window is open through August 31st.

Interested in applying? Communities can reach out to DCED representative Johnna Pro ([email protected]) to discuss requirements and interest. With notice to move forward, applicants can contact the program resource account ([email protected]) for application instructions. The DCED will then make final decisions on designations.

Please see the link below for more information on this program.
https://dced.pa.gov/programs/main-street-matters/

07/31/2026

Don't miss your chance to provide input on an important reuse initiative in the Alle-Kiski! Community members are invited to attend an open house to learn more about the Penn State (Re)New Kensington campus project - an effort focused on shaping a shared vision for the future of the campus.

📍📅 The public open house will be held on Tuesday, August 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium at the Penn State New Kensington campus, located at 3550 7th Street Road, New Kensington, PA 15068.

At the open house, attendees will be able to learn more about the project, review preliminary findings, and provide feedback on future possibilities for the site.

Community members who are unable to attend can still provide feedback through the project’s online survey (linked below) that will be open until August 14.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NewKenCampus

07/27/2026

Please join us in welcoming Hailey McClain, MPA as our newest addition to the Planning Division team, serving in the role of Planner I! 🎉

Hailey is most recently a graduate from the University of Pittsburgh (GSPIA) with a Master of Public Administration and concentrations in Urban Affairs & Planning. She also holds a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and Public Policy from Thiel College.

Welcome aboard Hailey! We can't wait to see what you'll accomplish in Westmoreland County!

07/09/2026

Don't miss your chance to shape the future of the Penn State New Kensington campus—take the quick survey today or join the next pop-up event on Friday, July 24th at New Kensington's Fridays on Fifth!

https://lnkd.in/gbtUYaMx

🗓️ A Public Invitation to Help Reimagine PSNK Campus!
The Penn State (Re)New Kensington Campus initiative is officially underway, and local input is essential to guiding this vision.

This collaborative effort aims to build a vision to transform the PSNK campus into a vibrant asset that reflects local priorities, supports economic development, and creates new opportunities for the entire region.

There are two ways to get involved right now:
1️⃣ Take the Community Survey: Open from June 23 through August 6 to capture local priorities for the campus.
👉 https://lnkd.in/gbtUYaMx

2️⃣ Attend the Pop-Up Event: An opportunity to speak with the project team in person.
👉 New Kensington’s Fridays on Fifth – June 26 and July 24 from 5 to 9 p.m. along Fifth Avenue between Ninth and 11th Streets. Find the pop-up stations located at either end: inside Voodoo Brewing and at the Digital Foundry

Every piece of feedback will directly impact regional planning. Tap the link below or use the QR code below to take the 5-minute survey!

06/24/2026

Please join us in celebrating Joshua Spano on his 2nd year work anniversary! 🎉

Josh’s leadership and dedication over the past two years have helped shaped our projects, programs, and team for the better. In his time with the Planning Division, Josh has overseen the adoption of the county’s new Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, lead the third Planning District process in the southwestern area of the county, and helped secure a $3.7 million Safe Streets and Roads for All grant to help improve safety and modernize infrastructure & technology along high-traffic corridors throughout the county.

Thank you for your contributions to Westmoreland County, Josh. We can’t wait to see what you achieve in the years ahead! ✨

06/23/2026

🗓️ A Public Invitation to Help Reimagine PSNK Campus!
The Penn State (Re)New Kensington Campus initiative is officially underway, and local input is essential to guiding this vision.

This collaborative effort aims to build a vision to transform the PSNK campus into a vibrant asset that reflects local priorities, supports economic development, and creates new opportunities for the entire region.

There are two ways to get involved right now:
1️⃣ Take the Community Survey: Open from June 23 through August 6 to capture local priorities for the campus.
👉 https://lnkd.in/gbtUYaMx

2️⃣ Attend the Pop-Up Event: An opportunity to speak with the project team in person.
👉 New Kensington’s Fridays on Fifth – June 26 and July 24 from 5 to 9 p.m. along Fifth Avenue between Ninth and 11th Streets. Find the pop-up stations located at either end: inside Voodoo Brewing and at the Digital Foundry

Every piece of feedback will directly impact regional planning. Tap the link below or use the QR code below to take the 5-minute survey!

06/09/2026

❗ Attention Westmoreland County Residents, especially those who work in or near the City of Pittsburgh!

The Commercial Street Bridge on I-376 Parkway East will be replaced using Accelerated Bridge Construction. Expect a full closure for about 25 days this summer. Tentative closure dates are July 10 – August 3, 2026.

Plan ahead, sign up for alerts and stay informed: pa.gov/CommercialStBridge

05/22/2026

Please join us in congratulating Nathan Clair on his 3rd-year work anniversary today!

For the past 3 years, Nate has been an invaluable asset to our team. We particularly want to recognize his outstanding work in shaping transportation in Westmoreland County. His dedication and positive attitude have truly shaped our culture.

Thank you, Nate, for your unwavering commitment. We look forward to celebrating many more milestones with you!