Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission

Unanimously approved☑️

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission has approved the 2027–2030 Transportation Improvement Program.

Effective October 1, 2026, this strategic plan will shape the future of transportation infrastructure in our region.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4w0oZFH

Congratulations to SPC’s very own Jennifer Lasser on graduating from the Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI) Class of 2025–2026! 🎉

ALI trains the region's public, private, and nonprofit leaders to use economic development as a tool to drive positive change, and we couldn't be prouder to have Jenn among this year's graduates.

She now joins the ALI Alumni Network of approximately 250 leaders across the region ready make an impact. We can't wait to see the great things ahead!!

Attention businesses & organizations in the SPC region📍

Today, SPC joined PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll and Butler County Commissioner Leslie Osche to announce the launch of NEVI Community Charging funding for Southwestern PA.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Community EV Charging Funding Opportunity covers all 10 counties that SPC serves, allowing applicants to access federal dollars to install EV chargers at publicly accessible facilities, and a survey is live that connects interested organizations with the resources needed to help navigate the process.

This is a meaningful opportunity to invest in our region's transportation future and position Western PA as a leader in mobility infrastructure:

🔗Learn more https://bit.ly/4xpF6Oz

To take the official NEVI Community Charging Survey: https://bit.ly/4oxXcu0

Statement from Rich Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission:

One Region, One Voice! 18 SPC Commissioners spent two days this week in Harrisburg meeting with policymakers. We discussed the exciting things happening in and how our Commonwealth's leaders can support our work. Thanks to the officials who took the time to meet with us!

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development

Statement from SPC Executive Director Rich Fitzgerald:

Statement from SPC Executive Director Rich Fitzgerald:

I join the many regional leaders celebrating IUP's announcement that its College of Osteopathic Medicine has earned pre-accreditation status from the American Osteopathic Association's Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. This is not only a significant milestone for Indiana County, but for the entirety of our region.

For years, our communities have faced the challenge of attracting and retaining physicians in rural areas, and IUP has built this program from the ground up with that mission at its core. IUP has raised $54 million toward the new school, a testament to the confidence that their partners have placed in this vision. The commitment, community support, and private investment that brought this program to life is a direct reflection of the leadership at IUP. With the ability to begin admitting students for the Fall 2027 term, this vision is closer than ever to becoming a reality. When fully operational, this school is projected to make a substantial economic impact on Southwestern Pennsylvania, and the new jobs and new revenue it generates will be a product of the investment this community has made in seeing it succeed.

I want to congratulate President Driscoll, Dr. Rose, and every member of the IUP community who devoted themselves to reaching this milestone. Their vision and perseverance have positioned us for a brighter future, and we are proud to celebrate this moment alongside them.

Full Article:

IUP College of Osteopathic Medicine receives pre-accreditation status, can now admit students - Pittsburgh Business Times Indiana University of Pennsylvania's College of Osteopathic Medicine receives pre-accreditation, clearing the way to admit its first class of students in fall 2027.

The public survey for SPC’s Long-Range Plan is now closed. We are thankful for everyone who took the time to share their feedback!

Your responses will help determine the priorities that guide our region's future, stay tuned as we move forward with the plan’s development🌐

Learn more about Built to Thrive: The Long-Range Plan for Southwestern Pennsylvania: www.spcregion.org

⏰Last chance to make your voice heard!

This is your final opportunity to contribute to SWPA's Long Range Plan! The information we've received so far has been invaluable, and we don't want to finalize this without hearing from as many people as possible!

🖥️ Take a few minutes to share your input before 5/10, and pass it along to someone else who hasn't yet: https://live.metroquestsurvey.com/?u=a0v1s #!/?p=web&pm=dynamic&s=1

The Port of Pittsburgh Commission has released the latest issue of their newsletter, and it's worth a read!

This edition features our Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives, Dj Ryan, who was appointed by the governor to serve as one of three SPC appointees to the Commission.

'Newsflow' touches on topics directly relevant to Southwestern PA's transportation and economic development landscape. As a hub for regional transportation along the three rivers, the Port of Pittsburgh plays a key role in the economic fabric of our region!

🔗 Read it here:

The Newsflow -- Issue #25 (2026 vol. 2) This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze site traffic. See our Privacy Policy for more information.