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December 18, 2007 Pittsburgh Area's 'Project Region' Wins APA National Excellence Award WASHINGTON, DC — The American Planning Association (APA) named "Project Region" in the Pittsburgh area recipient of the 2008 National Planning Excellence Award for Public Outreach. Initiated by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, the Project Region outreach process used innovative tools and techniques to inform residents about the planning initiative, which addresses $30 billion in investments to the area's 10 counties and involving more than 500 local governments. "Public involvement and support are critical to successful long-term planning efforts," said APA Awards Jury Chairperson Carol Rhea, AICP. "The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission has set a new standard for region-based, community outreach and civic engagement that garners consensus on region-wide development issues." The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission and other award recipients will be highlighted in April at APA's 2008 National Planning Conference, which will feature a 30-minute video about all 11 of the 2008 National Planning Excellence, Achievement, and Leadership Awardees. Accomplishments of the award recipients will also be featured in the April 2008 issue of Planning magazine and on the APA website. After decades of challenges – most notably the contraction of domestic jobs in the steel industry and the resulting declines in population — the Pittsburgh area is recognized for its ability to adapt and renew through concerted action. Recognizing the need to develop broad public support for long-term sustainability and economic revitalization, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission undertook Project Region as a cost-effective way to facilitate regional planning efforts among diverse rural and urban communities spread over 7,200 square miles. Among the techniques used were electronic surveys and portable survey kiosks, which were taken to community group meetings. A regional town meeting was held simultaneously in each of the 10 counties as well as broadcast over the internet so citizens could participate while at home or work. Altogether the Commission worked with more than 100 organizations throughout the region. "For the first time, the general public could see that there was regional consensus on policies for transportation and economic development investments," said Jane Downing, senior program officer with The Pittsburgh Foundation. Project Region provides a set of comprehensive policies and land use, transportation and economic development strategies to guide $30 billion for community revitalization and capital improvements in Pittsburgh and the surrounding 10-county area over the next 30 years. The Plan incorporates stakeholder ideas about numerous issues including sustainable growth and development. For a list of all 2008 National Planning Excellence, Achievement, and Leadership Award recipients, visit www.planning.org/awards/2008winners.htm. APA's national awards program, considered to be the profession's highest honor, began more than 50 years ago to recognize outstanding community plans, and planning leaders.
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