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Williamsport Community and Economic Development lays out GIS, housing and bike‑connector plans for 2026
Summary
The department presented a strategic plan and proposed GIS software to target investments, plus bike‑lane and housing studies; staff said a connector through the UPMC campus will be funded in‑city with CDBG while Loyalsock handles its section.
The Department of Community and Economic Development told council it has drafted a strategic plan and is seeking to invest in data tools and targeted studies to drive growth and housing strategy in 2026.
"We have a 7.47% increase of $35,909, and majority of that is represented in the salary line," Valerie, the department director, told council as she recapped 2025 accomplishments including LERTA streamlining, a downtown strategic plan with the Williamsport Business Association and a relaunch of the city's emergency rehab program (four homes currently enrolled).
Valerie described planned GIS software as a tool to layer code, fire and police data and to identify underperforming neighborhoods: "It's our goal to collect the codes data, the fire data, the police data... and be looking at neighborhoods and trying to determine why are these neighborhoods underperforming." She said the department will finish a DCNR‑funded park and recreation plan, develop a road safety (Safe Streets for All) action plan, complete a housing needs study and deliver a downtown strategic plan in 2026 to inform future ordinance and zoning reviews.
On transportation, Valerie said the city is pursuing a bike connector between Brandon and Shaw that will route through the UPMC campus into Loyalsock. The city will pay for the portion within city limits using CDBG funds, and Loyalsock will manage its segment; an MOU with UPMC is under discussion.
Council members praised the department's expanded scope and urged focus on implementable items such as restroom and lighting upgrades in parks, and stressed careful coordination with large employers when planning housing and workforce initiatives.
Valerie closed by asking for continued council support to move studies to an implementation phase and to tie capital improvement planning to grant opportunities.
