Presented by The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development
A collaboration among Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Keystone College, King’s College, Lackawanna College, Luzerne County Community College, Marywood University,
Misericordia University, Penn State Scranton, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, The Wright Center, University of Scranton and Wilkes University
University of Scranton & Wilkes University
A collaboration among Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Keystone College, King’s College, Lackawanna College, Luzerne County Community College, Marywood University,
Misericordia University, Penn State Scranton, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, The Wright Center, University of Scranton and Wilkes University
University of Scranton & Wilkes University
Information — Insight — Impact
Lackawanna & Luzerne INDICATORS Forum 2018
Welcome!
The Institute was founded on the belief that good decisions are driven by good data. Since 2004, it has been our mission to serve organizations and communities by providing empirical, objective re-search that drives discussion and informs decisions. For over a decade, Institute data and research on a wide range of topics has helped policymakers and community leaders from the public, private and non-profit sectors understand and address some of the region’s most challenging problems. The annual Indicators Forum is our opportunity to share this regional data and research with the community. Dialogue from past Indicators events has been a driving force behind many economic and community revitalization initiatives that have produced positive outcomes for our region. It is our desire that the information in this year’s program will provoke thought and discussion that will help drive future priorities to help our region continue to move forward.
2018 Indicators Sponsors & Research Partners
2018 Research Partners Signature Underwriters
Andrew J. Sordoni Foundation Luzerne County
PPL Electric Utilities Sordoni Family Foundation
Contributing Underwriters
Borton-Lawson Commonwealth Health Systems
Geisinger Health System Luzerne County Housing Partnership
Mohegan Sun Pocono Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald, LLP
Supporting Underwriters
Berkshire Asset Management *** BlackOut Design Classic Properties *** Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
NET Credit Union *** OneSource Staffing Wells Fargo Foundation
Friends
CAN DO, Inc. *** Hinerfeld Commercial Realty *** Peoples Bank & Trust
Public Media Partner
WVIA Public Media
Academic Partners
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Keystone College, King’s College, Lackawanna College, Luzerne County Community College, Marywood University,
Misericordia University, Penn State Scranton, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, The Wright Center, University of Scranton & Wilkes University
Turning Information Into Insight
Thank you to our Partners!
We would like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank you to our generous community of sup-porters who care deeply about the future of the region they call home. Our work would not be possible without the support of our academic and research partners, stakeholders, advisory board, task force teams and clients who entrust us to create opportunities and solve problems. Our successes are your successes and it is your commitment that will help ensure that data and research will continue to support informed decisions leading to greater economic vitality for the region.
Community Based Research Community based research is at the core of the Institute’s mission. This work, funded by our academic part-ners and generous stakeholders, is made available to organizations and communities needing reliable re-search, data, and best practices to make smart decisions. Community based research funding supports the Indicators Initiative, Task Force Research, Quarterly Eco-nomic Tracker, College Student Poll, and the College Internship Program.
Your willingness to help is bringing meaningful change to our communities!
Quarterly Economy Tracker (QET)
This intuitive quarterly publication presents economic and business trends affecting the region’s economy as well as the latest economic data.
We would like to thank The Willary Foundation, our Signa-ture Underwriter, for providing the seed capital for the QET as well as our generous Supporting Underwriters PNC Foun-dation and UGI Utilities.
Turning Information Into Insight
Indicators Initiative 2018
Indicators Report The Indicators program will encompass a presentation of the Lackawanna & Lu-
zerne County Indicators Report, which tracks economic data and quality of life
trends critical to the future of our region. The report provides reliable measurements of the driving forces that contrib-ute to community and economic vitality. The Indicators report is used for many purposes; most importantly, it educates the community and provides aware-ness to foster better strategic planning, goal setting, and policy development. The project’s purpose also includes building consensus by regional leadership on which issues are considered high priority and capturing new measures to ensure future success.
Task Force Presentations Each year, task force teams comprised of diverse groups of professionals in their respective fields evaluate opportunities to improve our region in critical areas. Research or policy agendas are established in June and Institute research teams prepare the reports to be presented at the following year’s Indicators Forum. Task force research has served as a basis of statewide legislation, has been used in legislative testimony and has helped organizations with strategic priorities or best practices. .
Another way to look at the usefulness of the Indicators report is as a gauge to tell the region where it is making good progress, or conversely as a warning light in areas where additional attention may be warranted. Indicators should identify and highlight new and ongoing trends to watch, both positive and negative, which may impact the region’s future. This allows for active intervention with new initia-tives or policies to positively shape the two counties collective futures.
Education & Workforce Development
Energy
Health & Healthcare
Housing
Jobs, Economy & Economic Development
Planning, Land Use, Transportation, & Infrastructure
Public Safety
Turning Information Into Insight
Regional Indicators Agenda May 10, 2018
Agenda 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM – Registration, Networking, Breakfast 9:00 AM - 9:20 AM — Welcome and Opening Remarks Patrick Leahy, Ed.D.— Chairman, The Institute and President, Wilkes University Erica Tessier, Vice President of Marketing, Mohegan Sun Pocono 9:20 AM – 10:30 AM — Presentation of Indicators* and Task Force Reports
Demographic Indicators Economic Indicators Jobs, Economy, and Economic Development Task Force – Chairman Rob Luciani Education Indicators Education and Workforce Development Task Force – Lucyann Vierling Social Services Indicators Technology & Innovation Indicators Housing Indicators Housing Task Force – Charles Kasko and Casey Prosick, AmeriCorp Volunteer Health and Healthcare Indicators Health and Health Care Task Force – Steve Scheinman, MD Special Health Care Update Civic Engagement Indicators Government Indicators Infrastructure Indicators Energy Task Force – Bill Sordoni Special Transportation Update Planning, Land use, Transportation, and Infrastructure Task Force – Marleen Troy, Ph.D. Public Safety Indicators Public Safety Task Force—Andrew Chew
10:30 AM – 10:40 AM – Pillars of a Strong Community Pillars of a Strong Community – Andrew Chew Q&A—all
11:00 AM Adjourn Patrick Leahy, Ed.D. *Indicators Presentation – Teri Ooms, Executive Director Andrew Chew, Senior Research & Policy Analyst
Turning Information Into Insight
Speaker Biographies (alphabetical order)
Charles Kasko, Simplex Homes As Director of Manufacturing, Kasko is responsible for all production and operations at both manufacturing facilities on the Simplex Campus. Charlie has been in the home building industry for over 33 years. During his career in the building industry Charlie served as President of the Pennsylvania Builders Association, Chair-man of Builder Services Inc., Life Director for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), National Area Chairman for NAHB, BUILD-PAC Chairman, Governmental Affairs Com-mittee Chairman, Vice Chairman of the NAHB Research Center. Charlie was awarded the Dis-tinguished Achievement Award by the Pennsylvania Builders Association in 2011. Locally, Charlie is a Past President of the Building Industry Association of NEPA, Past Presi-dent and Co-Founder of the Luzerne County Housing Partnership, a former member of the Luzerne County Planning Commission and Housing Task Force Chairman for The Institute of Public Policy and Economic Development. Charlie is also the Executive Director of the NEPA Scholarship Pageant Association.
Patrick Leahy, Wilkes University Dr. Patrick F. Leahy serves as the sixth president of Wilkes University. Since joining Wilkes in 2012, Leahy has been leading the university on a path to becoming one of the finest small universities in the country through several initiatives including the launch of the “Gateway to the Future,” a strategic plan focusing on academic program developments, campus infra-structure and community relations. Prior to joining Wilkes, he served the University of Scranton from 2004 to 2012 in numerous leadership roles including executive vice president and also taught in Scranton’s Business Leadership Honors Program. Currently, Leahy teaches in the Sidhu School of Business at Wilkes. Leahy holds a doctor of education degree from the University of Pennsylvania, a dual mas-ter’s degree from Cornell University, and a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University.
Rob Luciani, Prudential Retirement Services Robert Luciani, Regional Vice President, Client Relationship Business Development - located in Scranton, Pennsylvania – is responsible for National Key Account Government and Taft Hartley clients. He leads a team Key Account Vice Presidents who collaborate with special-ists across administrative services, advisory services, investment services, and participant communication and education to best serve their clients. Rob joined Prudential in 1988 and has over 30 years of experience in the retirement indus-try. While at Prudential, Rob has held leadership positions in Client Services, Research and Compliance, New Business Development and Product Development. He holds a B.A. degree from the Pennsylvania State University and a Certificate from the Institute for Employee Benefits Training. Rob is a Registered Principal, Sales Officer of Prudential Trust Company a registered lobbyist in several states, and holds multiple state insurance licensees.
Turning Information Into Insight
Steven J. Scheinman, M.D., Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Geisinger Health System Steven Scheinman is president and dean of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medi-cine and EVP and Chief Academic Officer of the Geisinger Health System. Dr. Scheinman is an internist and nephrologist who has earned international prominence for his re-search into the genetics of inherited kidney diseases and kidney stones. He has pub-lished more than 90 peer-reviewed articles, review, and book chapters on topics related to kidney disease and genetics. Dr. Scheinman has served on review boards for the NIH, AHA, American Society of Nephrology, American Federation for Clinical/Medical Research and National Kidney Foundation, among others. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and of the American Society of Nephrology, and is an elected member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation.
Dr. Scheinman holds an A.B., summa cum laude, from Amherst College in Massachusetts and received his medical degree with honors from Yale University. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Yale-New Haven Hospital; was chief resident in inter-nal medicine at Upstate; and completed fellowships in nephrology at Upstate Medical Center and Yale-New Haven Hospital.
Bill Sordoni, Sordoni Construction William E. Sordoni is the President and CEO of Sordoni Construction Services, Inc., a construction management and general contracting firm founded in 1910 and head quartered in Forty Fort, Pennsylvania. Prior to joining Sordoni Construction, Bill worked as a management consultant for Accenture in New York City and Philadelphia and as the Director of Business Development for Saucon Technologies in Bethlehem, PA. Bill holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Susquehanna University. Bill serves as a board member for the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry, the Sordoni Family Foundation, Hunters Sharing the Harvest, the United Way of Wyoming Valley, the Geisinger Health System Foundation, Penn’s Northeast, The Institute, and the Wilkes University Family Business Forum, and Wyo-ming Seminary.
Turning Information Into Insight
Erica Tessier, Mohegan Sun Pocono Erica Tessier is the Vice President of Marketing. A seasoned casino veteran specializing in casino promotions and rewards programs, at Mohegan Sun Pocono, Erica is now responsi-ble for overseeing marketing strategy and execution for all consumer and casino communi-cations at Mohegan Sun Pocono. Erica began her career at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut 25 years ago. Her career with Mohegan Sun includes management positions in departments including VIP Services, Casino Marketing and Consumer Promotions. In her most recent role as Director of Consumer Promotions and Player’s Club, Erica over-saw the creation, development and execution of various casino events and programs. She is familiar with Mohegan Sun Pocono product and market. As a knowledgeable and valued member of the Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment team, she was called on to assist with the introduction of Momentum at Mohegan Sun Pocono, and has been a source of refer-ence for the Mohegan Sun Pocono marketing team over the years.
Marleen A. Troy, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE - Wilkes University Marleen is an Environmental Engineer with specialized experience in environmental man-agement and biological treatment techniques for remediation. Marleen is currently Pro-fessor of Environmental Engineering and Director of the Sustainability Management Cer-tificate Program at Wilkes University and is also a registered Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania. She is also Board Certified in Environmental Sustainability by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists. Marleen serves on the board of the Wilkes-Barre Riverfront Parks Committee and is a member of the steering committee of the Northeast Pollution Prevention / Energy Efficiency Roundtable. Marleen received her Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Drexel University. She also earned an MSCE in Civil Engi-neering and a BS in Biological Science from Drexel University and a MS in Microbiology from the University of Rhode Island.
Lucyann Vierling, Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance Lucyann has over 30 years’ experience in workforce development in Northeast Pennsylva-nia. She has extensive experience with federal, state, and local funding administration, program design/development, and implementation. Lucyann has served in a variety of capacities over her career: case manager, career advisor, economic planner, and executive director of a local workforce investment board. She is currently leading Wayne Pike Work-force Alliance, The Community Education Council of Wayne and Pike Counties. Lucyann is a member of Governor Wolf’s Advisory Council on Rural Affairs and PA Department of Ed-ucation STEM Advisory Committee. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Master of Science degree in Organizational Management from Misericordia University.
Turning Information Into Insight
Jobs, Economy & Economic Development
“The Economic Ramifications of the Unbanked and Methods to Reduce the Unbanked Population” A study of the unbanked, the population of residents who do not use traditional financial institutions, to de-termine how lack of access to financial services is impacting the regional economy. The study will also ex-plore existing research on the reasons people are unbanked and give recommendations on how the region can address this issue, to help give more people a chance for financial independence.
Education and Workforce Development
“Fast Growth Occupations” The Institute identifies ten “high growth occupations,” or occupations that already employ a sizeable number of people and that are projected to grow at a fast rate in the region over the next ten years. The study ana-lyzes the education and workforce development requirements for each occupation and ways that our com-munity can ensure that these positions are filled.
Housing “Aging in Place” A study to better understanding how the region’s aging population will affect housing needs and how the housing market and developers in our region can address the needs of this growing population.
Planning, Land Use, Infrastructure and Transportation “The Intersection of Transit and Land Use” The purpose of the report is to examine the practices, design schemes and policy tools which municipalities can utilize to increase transportation options, including public transit, and thereby reduce inequity in trans-portation in the region.
Health and Healthcare “Social Determinants of Health” A study on how factors like income, race, and other socio-economic factors impact social outcomes and how these can be addressed. Research will help educate healthcare providers that care for vulnerable popula-tions to improve health outcomes in the region.
“Health Literacy—A Public Health Challenge” A study on how levels of patient literacy regarding health and healthcare has an impact on health-related outcomes. Recommendations are made on how providers, organizations and the community can intervene to help improve patient literacy in meaningful ways to produce better health outcomes for patients in the region.
2018 Task Force Presentation Topics
Access complete studies at www.institutepa.org
Jobs, Economy & Economic Development Task Force
Robert Luciani, Vice President Prudential Retirement Services, - Chair Clarence Baltrusaitis, CEO, NET Credit Union John P. Blake, PA State Senator Joe Boylan, Argent Eagle Development Corporation Fran Calpin, Senior Director Keystone College John Cognetti, President & Broker of Record, Hinerfeld Commercial Real Estate Julie Schumacher Cohen, Director of Community Relations, University of Scranton Tom Curra, President, WVIA Public Media Laura, Ducceschi, President & CEO, Scranton Area Foundation Frank Joanlanne, Borton Lawson Venard "Scott" Koerwer, Ed.D., Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Planning, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Amy Luyster, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Rodney Ridley, Director Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise, Wilkes University Lucyann Vierling, Workforce Alliance Marwan Wafa, Ph.D., Penn State Worthington Scranton
Mission Improve the quality of life and standard of living for residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania through the formation of economic development strategies, economic analysis, case studies and best practic-es related to effective and efficient government, growth, revitalization and sustainability as well as policy implications impacting all of the above.
Purpose • Educate and inform all stakeholders on the regional economy and its opportunities and challenges • Establish key findings on the financial health of households in the region, including in-come, poverty, and financial literacy
2018 Task Force Team
Access complete studies at www.institutepa.org
The Economic Ramifications of the Unbanked and Methods to Reduce the Unbanked Population
Findings Several programs around the country have been devel-
oped to promote access to banking services These reduce barriers or target high-risk populations
Many K-12 curriculums do not include personal finance • Focus group participants identified a range of issues
• Fees • Lack of trust • Lack of documentation
Most participants felt they had banks in their community
Project Goals Define the problem of the unbanked – those who do not use or underutilize traditional financial
services such as banks Provide regional data on the unbanked and how access to financial services is linked to the re-
gion’s economic health • Identify case studies for addressing issues related the unbanked
Recommendations
Banks can expand or continue community outreach to build trust Hiring employees from the populations they serve Accepting diverse forms of documentation Consular cards Individual tax identification numbers Expand financial education Collaboration between government entities and financial institutions to form Financial
Health & Health Care Task Force
Mission Improve quality of life and standard of living for residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania through the examination of health status, health care delivery, health care costs and insurance.
Purpose
Examine issues related to public health, providers, access, and other health and
healthcare issues impacting the region Provide insight into the health and healthcare indicators as appropriate to ensure a
comprehensive, high quality set of benchmarks of health care status
2018 Task Force Team
Steven J. Scheinman, MD, President & Dean, Commonwealth Geisinger School of Medicine and EVP and Chief Academic Officer, Geisinger Health System - Chair
Cornelio Catena, President & CEO, Wilkes-Barre General Hospital William Conaboy, President & CEO, Allied Services Tom Curra, President & CEO, WVIA Laura Ducceschi, President & CEO, Scranton Area Foundation Brian Ebersole, Executive Director, Geisinger Springboard Alex Hazzouri, President & CEO, The Advocacy Alliance and Friendship House Joseph Hollander, Executive Director, Scranton Primary Health Care Center Scott Koerwer, Vice President, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Mary Ellen Monacelli, Director U.S. Tax Services, Sanofi Pasteur Barbara Norton, Director, Corporate and Foundation Research, Allied Services Debra Pellegrino Ed.D, Dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies, University of Scranton Raymond E. Petren, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Human Development & Family Studies, Penn State Worthington Scranton Brian Rinker, Senior Vice President, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Lee Saltzgaber, MD, Interim Chief Medical Officer, Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center Bette Saxton, Maternal & Family Health Services Ellen Schindler, Director of Community Relations, Sanofi Pasteur LaTida Smith, President & CEO, Moses Taylor Foundation Susan Sordoni, MD, Founder Volunteers in Medicine
Access complete studies at www.institutepa.org
Social Determinants of Health & Health Literacy, A Public Challenge
Project Goals Social Determinants of Health
Research relationships between social and economic factors and health outcomes in individuals and populations
Evaluate regional social determinants of health and identify best practices
Health Literacy Prepare research on the importance of health literacy Evaluate regional health literacy and identify best practices
Findings Social Determinants
Literature was reviewed showing a variety of social de-terminants of health
Examples include race, gender, sex, culture, the built environment, socioeconomic status, and education
Regional data provided some evidence for these rela-
tionships: Income/poverty, health insurance status, family com-position, and education were particularly strong Statistical analysis showed these relationships are at least as strong in NEPA as elsewhere in Pennsylvania
Recommendations Improve data collection and access Conduct a comprehensive survey of the region’s health literacy
Promote and expand adult education Improve social support systems Identify collective objectives/consider a systemic approach to public health Comprehensive planning to link housing, land use, transportation, and social services with population health and wellness goals
Findings Health Literacy • Inadequate health literacy has implica-tions for a range of health outcomes • Health literacy has individual and sys-tem level dimensions • Regional data showed education may to be related to measures of general health
Education & Workforce Development Task Force
Mission Improve quality of life and standard of living for residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania through Pre-K to 20+ educators and workforce development professionals partnering with business to create a seamless, high quality NEPA education system
Education is our economic development future!
Purpose • Create policy solutions informed by best practices • Examine issues related to connecting educators to workforce development and business • Provide insight into methods to increase higher education attainment in NEPA • Educate the community on how education and an educated workforce is the most effective
economic development tool in our region.
2018 Task Force Team Lucyann Vierling, Director, Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance - Chair
Jane Ashton, Director of Continuing Education, Penn State Wilkes Barre Tom Baileys, Ed.D., Administrative Director, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County Lynn Biga, Executive Director, Luzerne County Head Start John Blake, PA State Senator Richard Caruso, Author Ida Castro, JD, The Commonwealth Medical College Julie Schumacher Cohen, Director of Community Relations, University of Scranton Tom Curra, President & CEO, WVIA Alexander Dawoody, Ph.D., Assistant Provost, Marywood University Vito Forlenza, Ph.D. Director, Regional Education Labs Michelle Giovagnoli, Director of Institutional and Academic Grants, King's College Brad Kovaleski, Director of Student Services and Engagement, Penn State Worthington Scranton Sue Kuhl, Alternative Learning Center, LIU 18 Amanda Modrovsky, Director Sponsored Programs, Wilkes University Kevin McDonough, Assistant Professor & Director, Center for Teaching and Learning, Lackawanna College Jill Murray, Ph.D., Executive Vice President/Chief Academic Officer, Lackawanna College Dipti Pancholy, MD FACP, The Wright Center Graceann Platukus, Director of Institutional Research and Planning, Luzerne County Community College
Access complete studies at www.institutepa.org
Findings • The five occupations with most significant
projected growth are in the medical or health sector
• Minimum projected annual growth of 2.3%
or greater over the next decade • Highest projected growth in a non-medical
occupation 1.8% • Employers may have difficulty finding em-
ployees with necessary skills • Meeting workforce needs in these occupa-
tions can facilitate economic growth
Project Goals Identify growing occupations in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties
Rate of growth Total employment 10-year trend
Examine the workforce needs of these occupations
Skills Education Training/Qualification needs
Regional Fast Growth Occupations
Recommendations Educational Institutions can collaborate with business-
es to target workforce development needs
Implement learning about growth occupations Incentivize or ease entry to training for growth oc-
cupations Regularly survey businesses to assess workforce needs
Pinpoint workforce needs of the region Communicate results to educational institutions
Continue to create STEM programs in elementary
through high school levels
Housing Task Force
Mission Improve quality of life and standard of living for the residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania through examination of housing stock and housing affordability
Purpose
• Creating policy solutions based on evidence and best practices that have the potential to impact legisla-
tion and beyond • Examines issues related to housing planning and zoning, affordability, housing stock, and homelessness • Maintain a bilingual education-information best website to assist new and existing homebuyers •Maintain a web based toolkit for communities dealing with housing challenges
Charlie Kasko, Simplex Homes, Chair Joe Boylan, Argent Eagle Development Corporation Jesse Ergott, Executive Director, Neighborhood Housing Steven Farrell, Owner, Classic Properties Patrick Fricchione, President & CEO, Simplex Homes Rory Giovanucci, Regional Housing Coordinator, Self Determination Housing Project Patricia Moroz, US, Housing & Urban Development Joe Terrana, Terrana Law PC Ellen Watkins
2018 Task Force Team
Access complete studies at www.institutepa.org
Project Goals
Outline concepts relating to aging in place Identify benefits and challenges of aging in place Examination of best practices • Quantify the issue with regional data
Findings • Vast majority of homeowners 65 and older want to age in their homes • Aging in the home presents financial and safety risks • Many retired citizens rely on social security or other forms of assistance • Many older adults live alone, and some homes have inadequate accessibility for those with disabilities • The population of 65 and older is projected to contin-ue to grow until around 2030
Recommendations Universal design in new housing construction Accessibility features Small-scale changes to existing homes Increased lighting, grab bars, walkers, treads to steps, clearing walkways Education related to aging in place for future seniors • Expand programs for lower income residents age 65 and over
Aging in Place
Planning, Land Use, Transportation & Infrastructure Task Force
Mission Improve quality of life and standard of living for residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania through examina-tion of best practices and policy in planning, land use, transportation, and infrastructure development
Purpose
• Creating programs, initiatives, and policy solutions based on evidence and best practices
that have the potential to lead to positive outcomes
• Examining issues related to planning, land use, and transportation systems
2018 Task Force Team
Dr. Marleen Troy, Professor, Wilkes University, Chair
Tom Curra, President, WVIA Public Media Pam Fendrock Norman Gavlick, Executive Director, Luzerne County Transportation Authority Robert Luciani, Vice President, Prudential Retirement Services Lawrence Malski, Director, Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority Amanda Modrovsky, Director Sponsored Programs, Wilkes University Jill Murray, Ph.D., Executive Vice President/Chief Academic Officer, Lackawanna College Kevin O’Donnell, President, CAN DO Steve Pitoniak, Lackawanna County Planning Commission Nicholas Semon, Chief Sustainability Consultant, Semon Consulting, LLC Rick Williams, Luzerne County Council and Williams Kinsman Lewis Architects
The Intersection of Transit & Land Use
Project Goals Examine policy tools which municipalities can use to increase transportation options • Examine existing evidence for these tools to facilitate increases in transportation options
and mass transit ridership
Findings Land use policies and the built environment shape
transportation availability and public transit rid-ership
Policy tools to achieve increased density:
Alternative approaches to zoning Requiring sidewalks Reconsidering parking requirements Using trails, parks, and other public spaces to
enhance connectivity Transit Oriented Development
Recommendations Cross county collaboration with regional planning bodies to update subdivision, land development, and zoning ordinances • Consider transportation as part of economic development efforts • Include transportation officials in planning of development, new or rehabilitation • Planning for the transport people can work alongside long range planning for intermodal freight
Access complete studies at www.institutepa.org
Public Safety Task Force
Special Project: Community Safety Index The community safety index was designed to provide a snapshot comparison of a variety
of public safety indicators in counties throughout the Commonwealth. Counties were scored on a zero to 100 scale on eight indicators reflecting a broad
definition of public safety. Indicators include various aspects of crime as well as police presence, traffic safety, school safety, and accidental deaths.
It is important to remember that the index does not capture all possible dimensions of
community safety – thus, the index is just one tool that should be considered alongside other data and analysis when trying to better understand crime and safety issues in Pennsylvania.
Findings Average scores ranged from 24
(Dauphin) to 78 (Union). Lackawanna County has an index
score of 40, while Luzerne County scored 38. They ranked 51st and 53rd, respectively, out of the 67 Commonwealth counties.
Among counties that include a
principal city of a designated Metropolitan Statistical Area, the region ranks near the middle, as shown in the chart.
The two counties performed
slightly better than Blair, York, and Erie Counties, which have been identified as peer counties.
Heather Acker Gentex Corporation Congressman Lou Barletta, Public Safety Task Force Co-Chairman; United States House of Representa-tives, 11th District Ron Beer, MHA, FACHE Geisinger Health Systems Thomas Botzman, Ph.D. Misericordia University Don Brominski UGI Utilities Terry Casey Chancellor Financial Group John Cefaly Cushman Wakefield David Coppola, Ph.D. Keystone College Thomas Curra WVIA Public Media Robert Durkin Greater Scranton Chamber of Com-merce Dale Jones, Ph.D. Penn State Wilkes-Barre
Charles Kasko, Housing Task Force Chair Simplex Homes Rev. Herbert Keller, S.J. University of Scranton Thomas E. Lawson Borton - Lawson Thomas Leary Luzerne County Community College Robert Luciani, Jobs, Economy, & Economic Development Task Force Chair Prudential Retirement Services Mary Persico, IHM, Ph.D. Marywood University Alana Roberts PPL Electric Eugene Roth Rosenn, Jenkins & Greenwald John J. Ryan, C.S.C., Ph.D. King's College Steven J. Scheinman, M.D., Health & Healthcare Task Force Chair Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Bill Sordoni, Energy Task Force Chair, Sordoni Construction
Matthew Sordoni Sordoni Construction Linda Thomas-Hemak, MD The Wright Center Marleen Troy, Ph.D., Planning Land Use, Transportation and Infrastruc-ture Task Force Chair Wilkes University Wico van Genderen Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry Lucyann Vierling, Education & Workforce Development Task Force Chair Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance Mark Volk, Lackawanna College Marwan Wafa, PhD. Penn State Scranton Tara Mugford Wilson Power Engineering Corporation State Senator John T. Yudichak, Public Safety Task Force Co-Chairman Pennsylvania State Senate, 14th Senatorial District Emeritus, Founding Member and Officer: William B. Sordoni, Sordoni Construction
Advisory Board
Patrick Leahy, Ed.D., Chairman Frank Joanlanne, Vice Chairman Wilkes University, President Borton Lawson, President
Office locations: Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, PA
Mailing address: 85 South Main Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
