CONNECT

Wrapping up May for CONNECT! 📈

This month, we honored with a new blog and a wellbeing support group. We also focused on community impact by networking with local leaders through events and presentations.

Learn more about what the CONNECT staff has been up to this month! ⬇️

H2O Water Network is co-hosting “Working Together for Cleaner Streams,” a stormwater management workshop on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM at The Whitehall House in Pittsburgh, PA.

Join for a day of networking, and learning with government, nonprofit and stormwater management colleagues. Plus, visit a stormwater management project in the Saw Mill Run Watershed and a real-world look at what effective stormwater work looks like on the ground.

This workshop is designed for anyone working at the intersection of water quality and community – municipal stormwater staff, watershed coordinators, conservation district employees, engineers, planners, and advocates. If cleaner streams are part of your mission, this room is for you.

A $25 donation is suggested. Register by May 29: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/working-together-for-cleaner-streams-topics-in-stormwater-management-tickets-1985442510997?aff=oddtdtcreator

Rebecca Keirnan of CONNECT presented on the Municipal Canopy Cohort with ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability), Resilient Cities Catalyst, Tree Pittsburgh and the City of Pittsburgh's Forestry Division, showing how our regional partnership with Tree Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Conservation District helps nearly 30 local governments manage their tree canopy by treating trees as infrastructure.

Our session, Lessons from Pittsburgh on Scaling Equitable Tree Canopy, highlighted how this approach is key to driving policy change and preparing for extreme weather events.

Stay tuned for more walkabouts, workshops, and a Summer session on Utility Vegetation Management!

Check your inbox! 💌 Our May newsletter is officially out! ☀️

Kick off the warm weather season with our list of local events, plus get information on our June Member Meeting and other CONNECT updates!

What does collaborative public safety look like in Allegheny County?

Join us for a discussion on collaborative strategies for public safety currently available to municipalities in Allegheny County. Chief Ben Reynolds from Edgewood Borough will lead a conversation on a proposed pilot program focused on strengthening volunteer fire service.

Jeff Williams, Director of the A-Team and Kelley Kelley and Joey Brantle from the LEAD team will also provide an overview of their programs, and the unique roles each plays in supporting public safety and emergency response in municipalities.

June's Member Meeting will be hosted by Crafton Borough, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania! You can rsvp here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdrwfPdaxXEQaWWc6ulnHLvAc6O5mcODeJmOmzNTi5OO0INEQ/viewform

Tomorrow at 12 PM is our Wellbeing in the Workplace Support Group! We hope to see you there ☺️

Join us Friday, May 15 at 12 PM for our virtual Wellbeing in the Workplace Support Group. 🌿

This will be a virtual hour dedicated to mindfulness and stress relief, and led by CONNECT’S Director of Public Safety and Wellbeing, Kelley Kelley.

Take a midday pause to recharge and reflect with us! RSVP using our event calendar at connectgovs.org/events.

Thank you, ALOM, for an incredible Women’s Leadership Event!

We loved starting our Friday by hearing an inspiring panel discussion on workplace communication, while connecting with other women in local government and public service.

It was a great opportunity to share experiences, build community, and support women leaders in Allegheny County! 🤝

Join us Friday, May 15 at 12 PM for our virtual Wellbeing in the Workplace Support Group. 🌿

This will be a virtual hour dedicated to mindfulness and stress relief, and led by CONNECT’S Director of Public Safety and Wellbeing, Kelley Kelley.

Take a midday pause to recharge and reflect with us! RSVP using our event calendar at connectgovs.org/events.

Our blog is back! 🎉 💻

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Kelley Kelley has written a blog highlighting how CONNECT prioritizes mental health and wellbeing for municipal leaders in Allegheny County.

Read this month’s blog to discover what it takes to build a healthier local government system, and why wellbeing matters for strong communities.

ALSO don’t miss our next Wellbeing in the Workplace Support Group, May 15th at 12 pm on Zoom.

CONNECT is Leading from Within: Prioritizing Wellbeing for Our Municipal Leaders - CONNECT By Kelley Kelley Kelley Kelley is CONNECT’s Director of Public Safety & Wellbeing. Kelley formerly served as the Mayor of Turtle Creek Borough. In local government, the focus is almost exclusively on addressing day to day issues like the new pothole that popped up overnight, balancing the budget, ...