PCCE- Bucknell University VISTA

This third year VISTA project supports the City of Shamokin in building capacity to implement community revitalization efforts that enhance environmental outcomes and economic efficiency. The VISTA builds upon prior capacity building work to implement community-centered environmental, economical, and energy initiatives and ensure their sustainability beyond the end of the VISTA term. The VISTA works closely with local non-profits and residents in a collaborative working model to support entities involved in related initiatives; implement tracking and assessment tools for plan progress; and assist partners in developing successful strategies for implementing action items and applying for grants to build capacity. In 2021, the city unanimously adopted a plan to enhance energy, transportation, and waste efficiencies. Since its adoption, more organizations and partners have become involved in plan implementation. A new collaborative group of community organizations, formed during the Year 1 VISTA, provides implementation guidance. This work builds on a long-standing relationship with Bucknell’s Coal Region Field Station that partners university and community organizations on projects of community-identified needs to support revitalization towards thriving communities. Shamokin recently emerged from a 10-year period of state financial intervention as an Act 47 Distressed City. The city seeks assistance to implement the priorities above. This position will continue capacity building to support local efforts to create a thriving community as aligned with the City’s priorities. This includes grant writing, organizing programming, and building collaborative networking connections. Action areas may include energy efficiency and weatherization, public transportation, waste reduction, localized energy production, education and outreach, as well as protection measures for extreme weather events.