Supporting Carbondale’s Vision: Valley In Motion Joins the Blueprint Communities Initiative

Blueprint Communities Carbondale team members at opening ceremony in Harrisburg on April 29, 2024

Valley In Motion is proud to support the City of Carbondale as it embarks on the next exciting step in community revitalization through Pennsylvania’s Blueprint Communities initiative. This statewide program is designed to strengthen local leadership, accelerate neighborhood investment, and help communities create long-term, people-centered change. For Carbondale, it represents both an opportunity and a momentum boost toward a brighter, more resilient future.

What Is the Blueprint Communities Initiative?

Blueprint Communities is a proven, collaborative approach that helps towns and cities:

• Develop stronger leadership teams

• Build capacity among local development partners

• Create clear, actionable community plans

• Coordinate targeted public and private investments

• Strengthen relationships among residents, organizations, and regional partners

By bringing these elements together, the initiative provides communities with tools and support to move from vision to action — ensuring that good ideas don’t just stay on paper but turn into meaningful improvements.

Why This Matters for Carbondale

Carbondale is a community rich with history, talent, and untapped potential. Over the past several years, local residents and organizations have worked hard to define shared priorities and goals for the city’s future. Much of this collective vision was captured in the Carbondale Heart & Soul Report, drafted by Valley In Motion after years of community conversations and input.

Blueprint Communities will give Carbondale the structure and support needed to bring many of those recommendations to life. Whether it’s enhancing public spaces, strengthening the downtown district, improving walkability, or amplifying community events, this initiative will help move ideas forward with clarity and confidence.

Working Together for Community-Led Change

One of the strongest aspects of the Blueprint Communities model is its emphasis on collaboration. The initiative brings together:

• Local government

• Community groups

• Business leaders

• Nonprofits

• Residents

By empowering these partners to plan and act together, Carbondale can pursue projects that reflect the community’s true voice and result in lasting impact.

Valley In Motion is honored to be part of this effort. We are committed to supporting Carbondale’s leadership team, sharing our experience in community engagement, and helping ensure that the Heart & Soul vision continues to guide progress.

Looking Ahead

As Carbondale moves through the Blueprint Communities process, residents can expect more opportunities to get involved, share ideas, and help shape the city’s future. This work will not happen overnight — meaningful change takes time — but the foundation being built today will strengthen Carbondale for generations to come.

Valley In Motion remains dedicated to supporting the region’s communities as they grow, plan, and imagine what’s possible. We look forward to celebrating each milestone with Carbondale along the way.