I have always found the transition from spring to summer to be an invigorating time of year where we start to feel excitement and possibility. We have emerged from hibernation, planted our gardens and are officially enjoying the longer, warmer days. The garden beds are demonstrating how they have successfully survived the winter months, pushed new growth and are flourishing. Much like the plant growth cycle, the team has been following a similar timeline. Since the fall, the organization has been quiet and reflective - focusing on refining our internal systems, growing and building a stronger team, and better defining how we want to show up and be responsive to the communities we serve. Like this season, we too are feeling energized and ready to launch new opportunities for the region. That involved selecting a new name. While the SWPA Municipal Project Hub described our geography and structure, it didn’t say much about who we are or how we work. As the organization grew, so did the gap between the name and the reality.
The rebrand to Community Project Hub of Southwestern Pennsylvania (CoHub) wasn’t cosmetic. It was a deliberate choice to lead with what matters most: community. The word “Co” signals partnership and shared ownership. It reflects how we operate, not as outside experts, but as a working partner alongside the communities we serve. We believe communities have the potential to build resilient and engaged places, and that with the right support, they can.
I am an eternal optimist and even in moments when the fractures and problems seem insurmountable, the potential of this place keeps me grounded. While I agree nostalgia is not a strategy - our region’s foundation is built upon civic pride, resourcefulness, and resilience and that is something special. What's missing isn't will. It's capacity, coordination, and connection.
As we continue to advance our work as CoHub, our team is poised to support our communities in how to think through the critical issues facing our region – fiscal solvency, population decline, and aging infrastructure to name a few.
Over the next few months, we will be finalizing and launching several new initiatives including:
- Solidifying partnerships and providing quality education for our municipal leaders and helping them advance identified priority community projects.
- Exploring new drivers for rural economic development that leverages existing assets to revitalize downtowns.
- Developing a strategy to help communities be “housing ready” in alignment with the state’s Housing Action Plan.
- Connecting research projects with regional higher education institutions that provide students real world experience and offer much needed capacity for municipal and community leaders.
- Continuing to offer personalized technical assistance and developing the tools and resources to advance regional projects.
- Highlighting the stories and community leaders that are driving real change across the region.
This moment also feels different – like somehow the time and the circumstances are aligning to rethink and chart a new path for our communities. We need to create healthy, thriving places that leverage our natural assets to promote a strong quality of life for the region. Honoring our past while acknowledging creative solutions is necessary. There are tough conversations ahead that will challenge all of us to think differently, try new things, and not be afraid to fail in the process. That is how we learn and grow. Our communities know themselves best and we are here to walk alongside you and help realize the vision.
As always, I thank you for your trust, collaboration, and partnership. We will continue to remain principled and pragmatic while we chart a new path forward together.
Yours in service,
Megan Zeigler
CEO