SEDA-COG

08/31/2026

08/28/2026

The latest SEDA-COG MPO Trail Demand Report is here! 🚴‍♀️👟

The report highlights trail usage across Columbia and Montour counties and showcases how trail-counting data is helping us better understand our regional trail networks.

Since the program began three years ago, SEDA-COG MPO has:

Conducted trail counts.
Produced online reports and news articles.
Educated the public about regional trails.

We have also shared our work at conferences and in transportation research journals, in collaboration with Dr. Michelle Oswald Beiler of Bucknell University.

Using advanced trail-counter technology, we’re collecting valuable data about peak usage times and changes in trail-use patterns. These insights help trail managers, state agencies, conservation groups, and other partners make smarter transportation and recreation investments. 🌳

Together, we’re helping create better trails and outdoor experiences for everyone to enjoy!

Visit https://bit.ly/2025tdr to learn more!

08/27/2026

Today we welcomed representatives from Bloomberg Philanthropies, Coalfield Development Corporation, and Partners for Rural Impact to our offices in Lewisburg. Yesterday they joined us in touring various projects in Mount Carmel and Shamokin to experience firsthand the innovative partnerships and community investments making a difference across our region.

Our Mount Carmel Area Go initiative is not being delivered by any one organization. It brings together partners like Bucknell University, CSIU / Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit / IU 16, Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc., Community Giving Foundation, and Degenstein Foundation, whose individual missions already support workforce development, education, community investment, and revitalization—creating a structure through which those efforts can reinforce one another.

08/27/2026

📣 **Your Voice Matters: ARC Broadband Listening Session 1**

How does broadband impact your community, business, organization, or daily life? The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) wants to hear from you!

Join **ARC Broadband Listening Session 1: Community Experience & Economic Opportunity** to share how broadband supports—or limits—quality of life, local priorities, and long-term economic development across Appalachia.

🗓 **September 16, 2026**
⏰ **10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.**
💻 **Virtual session**

This session is especially relevant for:

- Residents
- Small businesses and entrepreneurs
- Local governments and municipalities
- Chambers of commerce
- Economic development organizations
- Healthcare organizations
- Schools and libraries
- Workforce development organizations
- Community development organizations

Attendance is limited to **50 participants**, and advance registration is required. Participants will also complete a brief pre-session questionnaire to help inform the discussion.

👉 **Register today:** [ARC Broadband Listening Session 1](https://www.arc.gov/news/event_type/listening-session/)

Help shape ARC’s future broadband strategy and strengthen the region’s long-term economic opportunity. **Make sure your community’s experience is heard!**

08/25/2026

Capital access, counseling, training and more!

SBA has resources to help you start and grow a business.

Learn more: https://www.sba.gov/

08/19/2026

📣 Help Shape the Future of Our Region – What is important to you? What should we focus on?

Tell us by answering this survey bit.ly/surveyCEDS and help define economic development priorities and investments over the next five years.

Share your voice on priorities, opportunities, and challenges that will guide our 5-Year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.

08/17/2026

Commercial property owners and development professionals in Union and Northumberland Counties—this event is for you!

Join Union County PA, Northumberland County Council, and the Regenerative Energy Initiative for a free educational session on Pennsylvania’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy program—PA C-PACE.

Learn how PA C-PACE financing can help make energy improvements and other eligible commercial-building projects more financially achievable. If you own, develop, or work with commercial properties in Northumberland or Union Counties, don’t miss this opportunity to explore financing options for your next project.

📅 Wednesday, August 26
🕘 8:30–10:00 AM
📍 Union County Government Center
155 N. 15th St., Lewisburg, PA 17837
🎟 Free to attend

You’ll learn:
How PA C-PACE financing works
Which projects qualify
How long-term financing can improve project economics
Real-world examples from Pennsylvania
How to begin the process

Connect with fellow commercial property owners, developers, and industry professionals while learning about financing opportunities available in Pennsylvania.

Register here: https://pennsylvaniacpace.org/how-to-use-c-pace-financing-for-your-commercial-project-in-person/

Register Today!

08/14/2026

It's a wrap! Congrats to Penn State's Ag Progress Days for yet another great event!

🌾 Agriculture is critical to Pennsylvania’s economy—with more than 48,800 farms supporting 600,000 jobs and contributing $132.5 billion annually.

SEDA-COG Executive Director Kim Wheeler attended the Governor’s Rural Advisory Council on Rural Affairs Meeting and Government and Industry Days Luncheon at Ag Progress Days this week.

The luncheon featured updates on grants, agricultural funding opportunities, and remarks from elected officials and leaders in agriculture, including:

Neeli Bendapudi, President of Penn State University
Dean Troy Ott, Dean of Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences
U.S. Congressman Glenn Thompson
Secretary Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture

Kim also connected with Penn State faculty and researchers showcasing innovative technologies, crop trials, data displays, and research from the College of Agricultural Sciences. Throughout the event, she met with state officials, partners, county commissioners, and new contacts who can help strengthen regional partnerships.

And, of course, there was time to take a picture with a sculpture of one of Pennsylvania agriculture’s most important contributors—a dairy cow. Moo! 🐄 And watch how kids learn about harvesting for the future!

📣 Reminder: Applications for the third year of Pennsylvania’s Ag Innovation Grants—totaling $10 million—will open August 24, 2026 at 8:00 am and close on September 23, 2026 at 11:59 pm Apply here: https://www.pa.gov/services/pda/apply-for-the-agricultural-innovation-grant

We’re proud that winning projects last year included those of seven of the 11 counties we serve (Centre, Clinton, Lycoming, Mifflin, Northumberland, Perry, and Union counties).