Mission
We build the capacity for positive change in boroughs, townships, and small cities across southwestern Pennsylvania.
Vision
Communities that are vibrant, welcoming, and distinctive.
Our Values
Our values are informed by community planning principles present in both the Strong Towns and Smart Growth approaches.
- Strengthen Existing Communities: Development efforts and investments should be focused on strengthening existing communities and their assets.
- Foster Distinctive Places: Communities should foster a strong, distinct sense of place. In some communities that means creating walkable places where streets serve the needs of both people and automobiles. In other communities that means taking advantage of compact building design.
- Encourage Collaboration: Planning processes and development decisions are better when everyone who lives in or cares about a community works together.
- Provide Options: Whether it’s housing, transportation, or land use, we work to encourage a range of opportunities and options in every community that meet a wide range of needs.
- Preserve Open and Natural Spaces: Where possible, preserve open spaces, farmland, and natural spaces, including important environmental areas.
- Fiscal Transparency: Local accounting should be accurate and understandable so that people have the information they need to collectively improve their communities.
How Strong Growth Alliance Was Formed
Originally named The Smart Growth Partnership of Westmoreland County, Strong Growth Alliance originated from the City of Greensburg‘s Bicentennial Celebration in 1999. The slogan for that yearlong event was “What a Past – What a Future.” This phrase prompted the then-President of the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg (UPG), Dr. Frank Cassell, to convene an assembly of community leaders at the campus to identify major community problems that needed to be addressed. Sprawl and related issues seemed to be the group’s greatest concern.
Concurrently, then-Senator Allen Kukovich and his staff were developing a proposal for a public-private partnership to help address the issues of community planning in the region.
In the fall of 1999, a meeting of these community leaders was convened at the campus of the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg to discuss the direction of growth in Westmoreland County. An idea was presented and accepted to establish a local private non-profit organization that would work in partnership with communities and other organizations to promote effective comprehensive planning. During the following year, many meetings were held as the idea was refined and fashioned into a working partnership.
The core group became known as the Board of Directors. This group oversees the financial dealings of the Partnership and works with the Executive Director to set policy direction. The Board of Directors meets on a quarterly basis. For more information about the Board members, please see the Board of Director Profiles.
At the close of 2000, the Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation, John A. Robertshaw, Jr. and Allegheny Power committed funding to support the SGP. These, along with the Mary Jennings Hillman Foundation that began its support of Smart Growth in July of 2001, committed nearly $300,000 to start up the SGP.
The Smart Growth Partnership was housed at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg from its inception until June 30, 2008, then was housed until 2024 at Penn State Extension, eventually gaining full 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
In 2021, the SGPWC celebrated its 20th year of serving Westmoreland communities. In 2024-2025, the organization underwent a strategic planning and rebranding process and renamed itself Strong Growth Alliance.
Funding
Strong Growth Alliance deeply appreciates the generosity of its funders. Without their support we could not exist.
Current and Previous Funders
- Penn State Extension
- Westmoreland County Extension Association
- Richard King Mellon Foundation
- PA WalkWorks, PA Department of Health
- Robertshaw Charitable Foundation
- Community Foundation of Westmoreland County
- Allegheny Foundation
- McCune Foundation
- Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation
- National Association Realtors
- Greater Allegheny-Kiski Area Board of Realtors
- The Heinz Endowments
- John A. Robertshaw, Jr.
- Laurel Foundation
- West Penn Power (formerly Allegheny Power)
- McFeely-Rogers Foundation
- Arnold D. & Winifred W. Palmer Foundation
- University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
- Private donations and sponsorships
- Fees for services to communities