May 2026

Comments from Kim

Reflections and updates from SEDA-COG's executive director, Kim Wheeler, on priorities, partnerships, and progress across the region.

This month, I’m excited to share that SEDA‑COG has officially begun an important effort for the region—kicking off our next Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).


The CEDS is more than just a plan, it’s a process. It’s a conversation and an opportunity for key collaboration. It brings together the voices of local leaders, businesses, community partners, and residents to identify what matters most and where we should focus our efforts. It helps us look at where we are today, and work collaboratively to chart a clear, practical path forward for economic opportunity, resilience, and long-term growth.


As a regional council of governments, SEDA-COG’s purpose is to act as a shared resource and provide regional leadership and vision. The CEDS supports this mission.


Through this process, we will gain a better understanding of the needs and priorities of our communities. From supporting existing industries to exploring new opportunities, this work will strengthen partnerships and bring resources to meet evolving needs while positioning the region to compete for future funding and investment.


To help us make the most of this opportunity, we’re partnering with Fourth Economy Consulting to bring fresh insight and added capacity to the process, allowing us to approach this effort with the level of focus and depth it deserves.


Simply put, the CEDS is an opportunity for our region to come together with a shared understanding of our challenges, a clearer vision for our collective future, and a practical roadmap to get there.


Stay tuned for updates and engagement opportunities throughout the process.


Kim

Our Work in Action

Highlights SEDA‑COG’s impact across the 11‑county region through projects and partnerships that strengthen communities and support economic opportunity.

Connecting the Phillipsburg Community to Business Resources


SEDA‑COG staff recently joined our sister organization, the North Central PA Regional Planning and Development Commission, to present services to members of the Moshannon Valley Economic Development Partnership.


The session connected Phillipsburg area businesses and organizations with SEDA-COG resources that support growth and redevelopment, including access to financing, government contracting opportunities, export assistance, and support for site development and reuse.


Engagements like this help the business community become aware of the programs and services we offer to support business growth, job creation, and economic development.

Public Comment Open Through May 22


SEDA-COG's Transportation Program serves as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), for eight of our core counties, working with partners to establish regional transportation priorities.


A part of that work is maintaining three key transportation planning documents that guide investments across our region. Two of these plans are currently open for public comment but the comment period is coming to a close.


Comments on the Draft 2027–30 TIP and Draft 2050 LRTP are due
May 22 by 4 p.m.

2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan


LRTP Project Page

2027–30 Transportation Improvement Program



TIP Project Page

All comments received during the public review period will be considered prior to action by the MPO at its next meeting on Jun. 12.

Call for Economic Development Projects


Our Economic Development team is actively seeking applicants for the ARC Area Development Program.


Area Development funds are intended for investments into infrastructure as well as business and workforce development initiatives.


Projects should support at least one of the following: Appalachian business development, workforce ecosystems, critical infrastructure, culture and tourism, or local leadership and capacity-building.


Have a project in mind or want to learn more? Contact us today.


Betsy Lockwood | elockwood@seda-cog.org

Alayna Hemphill | ahemphill@seda-cog.org

United Way Day of Action


Our team was proud to participate in this year’s United Way Day of Action, giving back to the community through hands-on volunteer work.



At the Middleburg YMCA, staff helped clean out flower beds, plant new greenery, and refresh the playground by adding mulch under swings and slides to improve safety.


It was a great opportunity to support a local community space and make a positive impact alongside partners from across the region.

$1.5M Awarded for Streetscape Project


Last month, we celebrated the ceremonial groundbreaking for Phase I of the Independence Street Streetscape Project in Shamokin.


This month, the momentum continues. The city, with the support from the SEDA-COG Community Revitalization program, was awarded $1.5 million Transportation Set-Aside (TASA) funds to support Phase 2.


These improvements will make Independence Street more accessible, welcoming, and easier to navigate for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.


Learn More

Around the Region

Regional updates and initiatives led by partners whose work affects communities throughout the region.

$6.6M Awarded to SEDA-COG MPO Applicants


The Shamokin project highlighted above is part of a larger group of TASA awards this year.


We are excited to celebrate all the new transportation investments announced by PennDOT as part of the Shapiro Administration’s more than $74 million statewide commitment to safer, more connected communities through the 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) of the Federal Highway Administration's Surface Block Grant Program.


It was a banner year for the SEDA-COG MPO region, with five applications approved. Projects in Centre and Lycoming counties, outside our MPO but within the SEDA-COG region, were also awarded funding, bringing an additional $3 million in investment.


PennDOT Press Release | List of Awards

Find Savings in Your Facility


PA DEP’s Energy Programs Office is offering free Industrial Energy Assessments through June 30, 2026.


The goal of this program is to provide ASHRAE Level 2 energy audits (ASHRAE is the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers, which is the organization that developed the energy audit standards) to up to 200 industrial facilities across the Commonwealth. 


Learn More

Pine Creek Rail Trail named Pennsylvania's 2026 Trail of the Year


It was also voted by USA Today as one of the "10 great places to take a bike tour."


Located in Lycoming County, the trail stretches 62 miles from Jersey Shore to 3 miles north of Wellsboro. It's hard-packed gravel surface and 2% grade offers riders a smooth, enjoyable ride.


Learn more about Pine Creek Rail Tail here.

Armagh Township | Mifflin County

View of the Mifflin County Armagh Township Public Trail Improvement project site, adjacent to an unnamed tributary of Laurel Creek. This summer, the existing cinder loop trail around the Armagh Township Municipal facility will be graded and paved. The trail offers benches, birdhouses, and views of the countryside.

Stay Connected

Follow us on social media and be part of our growing community.

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  X