Connectivity Roadmap | Digital Equity & Maps | Digital Navigator | Communication Tool Kits

About the Project

The Southwestern Pennsylvania (SWPA) Connected initiative is a regional consortium that includes the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC), Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), Allies for Children, and a diverse group of regional partners to develop an equitable Connectivity Improvement Plan to provide affordable, reliable broadband internet access across the region.

This initiative is not affiliated with any internet provider and is not intended to sell any internet services. Rather, it seeks to guide the region’s future internet investments that can be made now that the historic infrastructure bill has passed, which includes $65 billion for broadband.

Broadband should be available and Affordable to the Southwest PA Region

Rural and urban areas in our region are lacking affordable
access to internet and equipment that is fast and reliable. This impacts the
quality of life for our residents and communities.

• Rural issue – high-speed broadband service is oftentimes unavailable.
• Urban issue – affordability where low-income households cannot afford access.

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Connectivity Roadmap

The Connectivity Roadmap was informed by a public survey, county interviews, ISP interviews, workshops with regional providers, nonprofits, local and state government leaders, industry experts, community organizations, and through best practices.

• Connectivity Roadmap Appendices

  • Appendix A – County Profiles
  • Appendix B – Projects
  • Appendix C – Funding Matrix (.xls)
  • Appendix D – Community Conversions Report
  • Appendix E – Glossary

An implementation Guide

Rather than identify a comprehensive set of future projects that may quickly become obsolete in this changing landscape, the Connectivity Roadmap provides several tools to guide the selection of projects as priorities shift.

• The Project Identification Decision Tree
  guides decision-making through the steps needed to meet a given need, according
  to the existing conditions and type of need.
• The Measures of Effectiveness
  rubric rates and weights projects according to an extensive set of metrics that
  includes technical and equitable qualifications.
• Fourteen initial Projects have been
  prepared to illustrate priority infrastructure improvements that meet the needs
  of the county, by first starting with areas that are unserved and that can
  pursue funding immediately.

The Connectivity Roadmap not only identifies regional goals, and how to identify projects, but also provides recommendations and next steps for the SPC, county and city leadership, and other partners to improve broadband infrastructure, tools, and skills across southwestern Pennsylvania.

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Digital Equity & Maps

To better understand the needs of the region, SWPA Connected
examined the current state of broadband coverage, speed, resources, and gaps in
relation to the region’s demographic and socioeconomic conditions.

SWPA Connected developed two connectivity data dashboards
leveraging existing local and national open-source datasets. We also analyzed
and incorporated Environmental Justice and Title VI data to create the
Connectivity Indices.

These mapping applications will be used to assist in prioritizing potential deployment locations across the region. In the meantime, these applications will serve entities who are applying to state and federal grant programs for broadband deployment funding by helping articulate the need to deploy high-speed connectivity to the most critical unserved and underserved areas of the region.

• Resources

  • Connectivity Index Scoring Guide
  • Connectivity Dashboard Explainer Video

Note: The datasets are very large and may take time to load and refresh.

Fixed Broadband Story Map

The Fixed Broadband Story Map provides an in-depth look at the fixed broadband speed across the region, the type of broadband or internet technology available, and what that technology supports, as well as the broadband providers throughout the region.

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Digital Navigator

Overview

SPC’s Digital Navigator Resource & Mapping Tool is a user-friendly web application designed to assist residents of our ten-county region in accessing essential digital resources and assistance programs. This interactive database and map enables users to locate and explore a variety of support services tailored to their specific needs, ensuring everyone can stay connected and benefit from available digital opportunities. The Digital Navigator Program Finder features detailed provider descriptions, contact information, and links to further resources for each listed service, with a continuously-updated database to ensure the latest information on available resources and programs. The easy-to-navigate map includes demographic data on digital navigator outreach needs in the SPC region. SPC designed this resource in partnership with our broadband and digital equity stakeholders throughout the region.

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Communication Tool Kits

These tool kits aim to provide helpful resources and materials to assist in raising awareness about the SWPA Connected initiative, the Connectivity Roadmap, and to provide communities and residents across the region the tools they need to increase their digital literacy and better advocate for improved internet access.

• Resources

  • Social Media Tool Kit

    • Full Toolkit (.doc)
    • Facebook Graphics (.zip)
    • Twitter Graphics (.zip)

  • SWPA Connected Engagement Packet

    • Engagement Packet (.pdf)
    • County Profiles (.pdf)

  • Community Meeting Materials

    • Facilitator Material List (.doc)
    • Sign-in Sheet (.doc)
    • Discussion Guide (.doc)
    • Presentation Template (.ppt)
    • Connected Words for Discussion (.doc)
    • Engagement Packet (.pdf)

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In the News/CMU Student Videos

Students in an undergraduate Junior Communications Design Studio created sample public service campaigns focused on equitable broadband as part of a course assignment.  Click below and view examples of the students’ terrific work as well as news articles related to SWPA Connected!

 
 

If you feel like you’re noticing more bikes on the roads, you’re probably right: POGOH bikeshare hit record-breaking ridership last year and has reached 1 million rides total since launching in 2015.

“Students, residents and visitors embraced POGOH last year — it’s clear that when we expand the station network, our ridership grows significantly,” said David White, executive director of Bike Share Pittsburgh, the nonprofit that operates POGOH bikeshare, in a press release.

To meet the demand, Bike Share Pittsburgh has announced POGOH’s Phase 3 Expansion, which aims to add more than 50 new stations to Pittsburgh over the next few years. There are currently 60 stations across Pittsburgh.

“We have a vision that POGOH stations cover every neighborhood in the city, and that over time our network will extend to many inner-ring municipalities in Allegheny County,” White said.

POGOH plans to engage with Pittsburgh communities to choose the 50 new locations; feedback is being accepted through an interactive map on its website.

Funding for the new stations will come from the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program, the Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund Grant in partnership with the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County, and other grants.

In 2023, 211,000 rides were recorded, up significantly from the previous high of 124,000 in 2021. Bike Share Pittsburgh said the increase in usage can be attributed to factors such as the popularity of the electric-assist bicycles, high ridership from the University of Pittsburgh community, increased support for biking and walking, and collaboration with PRT, which allows users to register and rent POGOH bikes through its Transit App.

View the full article at pittsburghmagazine.com.

Leann Chaney, senior active transportation coordinator at the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, works with stakeholders looking to advance active transportation such as biking and walking within the SPC’s 10-county region. She provides technical guidance to help local governments achieve their active transportation goals and improve safety, comfort and connectivity. She also manages SPC’s nonmotorized data collection program, implementing the Regional Active Transportation Plan for Southwestern Pennsylvania and sponsoring a quarterly Active Transportation Forum.

How did you end up working in active transportation, and what attracted you to the field?
I prefer biking or walking for short trips and often bike to work, so the idea of advancing active transportation was appealing to me. Active transportation plays a crucial role in public transportation and transportation demand management strategies and is integral to many aspects of the work we do at SPC.

In what ways can active transportation be incorporated into projects funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act moving forward?
There are numerous opportunities to incorporate active transportation into plans, policies and infrastructure projects. Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure can be incorporated into roadway and other infrastructure projects by embracing Complete Streets principles and using innovative design guidelines to develop contextually appropriate multimodal solutions.

What has been the most gratifying aspect of your career?
Knowing that more people of all ages and abilities can safely bike, walk or roll to get to everyday destinations because new bike lanes, trails or sidewalks were installed or because street crossings were improved brings a sense of fulfillment, knowing you’ve played a part in fostering positive change.

What emerging technologies do you see as having the most significant impact on active transportation?
Rates of active transportation have increased nationally over the past several years, driven by improved walking and bicycling infrastructure and emerging technologies like electric bikes and micromobility solutions, like scooters. E-bikes make biking accessible to a wider range of people, and scooters provide convenient options for short trips, particularly in urban areas.

What book are you currently recommending to friends?
“The Death and Life of Great American Cities” by Jane Jacobs — one of the most influential works in community planning.

View the full article at bizjournals.com.

Bike Share Pittsburgh, the nonprofit operator of POGOH bikeshare, is installing 22 new POGOH stations through July and is launching 154 new e-assist bikes and 66 pedal bikes into their fleet.

In addition to creating more connections within the current network, the new stations will connect several new neighborhoods, including Hazelwood, Larimer, Garfield, Upper Lawrenceville, Allegheny Center and Central Northside.

The growth of the bikeshare network is made possible by a Federal Highway Administration grant for Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ). The grant request was supported locally by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the City of Pittsburgh.

“Because POGOH riders need to both rent and return their bikes at one of our stations, we need a lot of stations to make the system convenient. This expansion is focused on increasing the convenience of our network, and better connecting more neighborhoods to bikeshare,” said David White, executive director of Bike Share Pittsburgh, in a press release. “This twenty-two station expansion is a meaningful step towards our vision to have POGOH stations in every neighborhood in the City and eventually extend to many inner ring municipalities.”

The new station locations have received approval from city council and permits from the City of Pittsburgh.

For more information about Bike Share Pittsburgh and the 2023 station expansion, visit pogoh.com.

View the full story at wpxi.com

The coronavirus pandemic continues to disrupt life in the region; overall, residents of Allegheny County are still traveling less compared to 2019. However, bike miles have gone up.

“We pretty much had our best May ever,” said David White, executive director of Healthy Ride, Pittsburgh’s bikeshare system.

The nonprofit’s ridership increased 43 percent from 2019 to 2020. Much of the growth stemmed from Healthy Ride’s partnership with Port Authority: anyone with a Connect Card can take unlimited 15-minute trips. However, beginning May 1 of this year, average trip length increased by 60 percent.

“Instead of linking the last mile or first mile of their transit trip with bikeshare, people are just taking the whole trip on a bike now,” said White.

National, county, and city data reflect an increased appetite for bikes. According to analytics company Streetlight Data, bike miles in the Pittsburgh region saw up to a 19 percent increase in May 2020. The region’s trails recorded jumps of more than 30 percent on some segments, according to data collected by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. Year over year, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership recorded a daily average increase of nearly 50 percent at its counting sites during the months of March, April and May.

Read the full article at WESA.fm

While living in Monaca, Dr. Vincent Troia frequently rode his bike to the Montour Trail in Coraopolis. He followed the Ohio River down Bicycle PA Route A, along Route 51, despite the high-speed traffic. Troia also said he would bike on the Little Beaver Creek Greenway trail, just across the state border in Ohio.

“I was thinking, ‘boy, it would be nice to just connect the two trails, and then we’d have a beautiful network, a bike network,’” said Troia, who now serves as president of the Ohio River Trail Council (ORTC). The nonprofit organization works to protect trails and to provide active transportation networks in the Ohio River Valley and surrounding areas.

Since its founding in 2009, the nonprofit ORTC has completed multiple bicycle feasibility studies to improve safety for cyclists. The studies encompassed an area along the Ohio River from Coraopolis to the Pennsylvania-Ohio border and examined possibilities for safer, off-road trails, according to Troia. Now, ORTC is developing a more comprehensive bicycle suitability study.

Read the full article at Trib Live

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2025

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) is proud to announce the approval of two transformative plans on June 23, 2025, aimed at improving transportation and safety across the 10-county region.

The Active Transportation Plan (ATP) is a cutting-edge tool tailored for industry professionals, planners, and engineers. This interactive story map offers detailed data, maps, and resources to support the development of bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and other active transportation projects. The ATP aims to improve connectivity and promote healthier, more sustainable travel options, making it an invaluable resource for shaping the region’s future mobility. It is available for online viewing and usage here.

Complementing the ATP, the Regional Safety Action Plan (RSAP) addresses a critical need for safer roads across SWPA. This comprehensive document outlines strategies to reduce traffic crashes, enhance pedestrian safety, and upgrade infrastructure, impacting everyone from daily commuters to cyclists. Accompanied by a series of engaging videos, the RSAP highlights real-world safety improvements, offering a visual testament to SPC’s dedication to protecting all road users. The plan builds on recent regional safety data, aiming to address high-risk areas identified through community input and analysis. It is available for online viewing here.

SPC invites the public, industry professionals, and local leaders to explore these plans and provide feedback as implementation begins. Videos and additional resources will be shared on SPC’s social media channels in the coming days.

Media Inquiries: DJ Ryan
Cell:  412-478-1928 
DJRyan@spcregion.org

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About Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission:
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, more commonly known as SPC, is the cooperative forum for regional collaboration, planning, and public decision-making for the ten counties of Southwestern Pennsylvania including the City of Pittsburgh. SPC develops plans and programs for public investment and fulfills federal and state requirements for transportation, economic development, and local government assistance programs.

PRESS RELEASE DOWNLOAD (PDF)

SPC’s Current Job Openings

Planning and Development Intern | Models and Data Analysis Intern

Planning and Development Intern (ONSITE)

Job Summary:

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission is seeking an intern to contribute to our Transportation Planning and Strategic Initiatives programs. The intern will primarily report to the Transportation Director but may also at times receive direction or work assignments from the Strategic Initiatives Director.

Essential Functions:

• Assist with tasks related to updating the Long Range Plan including writing, case-study analysis, stakeholder coordination and planning.
• Participate in planning initiatives related to transportation and land use, economic and workforce development, infrastructure financing, and technology and AI.
• Undertake research related to comparative policy analysis and legislative analysis and draft policy memos.
• Update and produce content for the SPC website, social media and other publications.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in a graduate Planning, Public Administration, or Public Policy program or closely related field.
• Knowledge of strategic planning, project management, data collection, and communication.
• Ability to become knowledgeable regarding land use and transportation planning,
• Knowledge and ability in public outreach along with excellent written / oral communication and computer skills.

Learning Objectives:

• Build a solid foundation in transportation and other core planning areas.
• Gain firsthand experience in public administration at the local level, as well as in partnership with state and federal organizations.
• Learn how regional plans, local projects, and local, state and federal policy initiatives work together.
• Develop skills in plan development, project financing and delivery, and stakeholder engagement.
• Contribute to real-world projects that support local priorities and meet state and federal mandates.

Physical Requirements:

• 75% Sitting, 10% Walking, 15% Standing, 80% Use of hands, 5% Reaching 90% Talking / Hearing; Lifting < 10 lbs.; Near vision, Color vision

Work Environment:

• Ability to perform field work in environmental conditions that include exposure to outdoor elements (sun, wind, precipitation).
• A personal vehicle will be required for use in travelling to counties throughout the Pittsburgh 10-county region.

To Apply:

• Email letter of interest and resume to: hr@spcregion.org

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Models and Data Analysis Intern (ONSITE)

Job Summary:

SPC is seeking an intern for its Models & Data Analysis Unit to assist with various ongoing projects in need of transport modeling, data collection, data management, database development, data analysis, and related activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in coding of scripts (R, Python, etc.) to automate current manual processes.
• Help develop and review content for SPC’s Regional Data Center webpage.
• Database management to integrate data from new sources into existing libraries.
• Data analysis including preparation of charts, maps, tables, and infographics in support of other SPC Departments and projects.
• Data entry and analysis to develop and update GIS layers to visualize characteristics of the region’s transportation network including roads, bridges, and freight facilities; public transportation routes and service levels; and bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
• Assist with analysis of data from the US Census Bureau and other public data providers.

Qualifications:

• Preferred candidates would be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in Regional/Urban Planning, Geography, Civil Engineering, Information Science, Data Analytics, or related field with interests in Programming, Transportation Planning, Geographic Information Systems, and Transport Modeling.
• Working knowledge and application of programming languages (such as R, Python, or similar) as well as completion of a college-level GIS course is strongly preferred.
• Excellent written/oral communication and computer skills are also preferred.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of the internship, the intern will have a strong foundation in Models & Data Analysis.
• Gain hands-on experience in a real business setting and learn key tasks.
• Understand and contribute to team goals.

Physical Requirements:

• 75% Sitting, 10% Walking, 15% Standing, 80% Use of hands, 5% Reaching 90% Talking / Hearing; Lifting < 10 lbs.; Near vision, Color vision

Work Environment:

• Works in an environmentally controlled clean office. Working outdoors in inclement weather and a variety of environments may be required.

To Apply:

• Email letter of interest and resume to: hr@spcregion.org

SPC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity among our applicants, staff, and commission, and invite applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.

SPC is committed to providing reasonable accommodation when necessary throughout our interview process. Please address these accommodations to our HR Director.

Creating an inclusive, engaged, and dynamic atmosphere is core to SPC’s mission. Service, Resiliency, Innovation, and Accountability are the core values that unite the SPC team, inspiring one another to work and support others as they seek to reach new levels of excellence.

Elected officials, business owners and residents from Verona and Oakmont gathered Sept. 27 to walk from the Off the Rails restaurant in Verona to College Avenue in Oakmont and back again for a Verona Borough walk audit.
 
Trish Hredzak, vice president of Verona council, set up the audit after there was some divide from residents and committee members about the VOPP Trail bike path planned at the intersection of Center Avenue and Allegheny River Boulevard and the viaduct connecting Oakmont to Verona. Despite discussions of rerouting the path, there are still issues with the viaduct that need to be solved, Hredzak said.

“Even if we reroute (the bike path), we can’t forget about the viaduct,” Hredzak said.
 
She said the council has received multiple complaints about the stretch of road, including the condition of its crosswalks, speeding motorists and safety concerns while walking along the road. The roadway was designed in the 1930s and changes from two lanes to five lanes and then back to two lanes in less than a mile.
 
Hredzak said she had multiple conversations with state Rep. Joe McAndrew, D-Penn Hills, through which the VOPP Trail will run. After a few conversations, she suggested the walk audit to get first-hand opinions from residents.
 
“We wanted to think of (solutions) from a non-motorist perspective,” Hredzak said.
 
The day of the walk audit, 50 people, including government officials, business owners, residents of Oakmont and Verona and Riverview students attended the event.
 
Officials included state Sen. Jay Costa, D-Forrest Hills, Allegheny County councilman Nick Futules, Riverview School District superintendent Neil English and McAndrew.
 
Attendees were split into four groups to make the almost mile-long trek. Some members of the group were given strollers, walkers, wheelchairs or canes to use during the walk to give an accurate perspective of what it would be like to walk with those additions.
 
Riverview student Eli DeVita, 18, pushed a stroller during the audit. He expressed how difficult it was for him to maneuver the stroller over cobblestones and around potholes while crossing the street. He said it was difficult to find a place to walk off the sidewalk onto the road to cross the street at Center and Allegheny River Boulevard without being placed in front of traffic.
 
“There’s some really strange geometry at Center and Allegheny River Boulevard,” said Craig Toocheck, an employee of Pittsburgh Regional Transit who attended the audit to discuss methods to make bus stops fit with crosswalk placements or edits in the borough.
 
DeVita was joined by classmates Renton Biondich, 17, and Cailey Trosch, 17. Trosch used a walker during the study and expressed the same difficulties as DeVita.
 
Hredzak said nine students attended the audit. Trosch said she and the other seniors attended the event for their civics class — for class they are required to attend a council meeting, but the walking audit counted as a replacement event.
 
Suzie Davis, 69, of Verona had complaints about how faded the crosswalks are on the road.
 
“My husband and I are crossing guards down here,” Davis said. “People don’t pay attention. They blow the red light on my husband (at the intersection of South Avenue and Allegheny River Boulevard) all the time. As a crossing guard, you see a lot.”
 
The group also discovered that some sidewalk ramps were pointed in the wrong direction for visually impaired people trying to cross the street safely.
 
During the walk, participants were asked to check off boxes for how easy the route was for walking and make suggestions for traffic deterrents such as on-street parking and mid-block crosswalks.
 
After the audit, Hredzak asked participants to fill out a survey to see what residents want prioritized.
 
“It’s always good to check in with your base,” Hredzak said.
 
Leann Chaney, senior active transportation planner with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, helped Hredzak to organize the audit.
 
“Without (SPC’s) guidance, I would have no idea how to organize this,” Hredzak said. “Without them, it would not have been as well orchestrated.”
 
The results of the survey will be used in future road studies in the borough.

View the full story at triblive.com.

Roads and bridges in Southwestern Pennsylvania will see a $300 million boost in funding because of the infrastructure law enacted in 2021.

The extra money is included in a regional plan for $1.5 billion in transportation projects that is set to be approved June 27 by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission.

The commission’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) covers 2023 through 2026 and includes increases in funding for bridges, highway safety improvements and bike-and-pedestrian infrastructure compared to the previous program.

The SPC is responsible for allocating state and federal funds to local transportation infrastructure projects across 10 Southwestern Pennsylvania counties that surround Pittsburgh.

Among the $300 million increase in funding for roads and bridges under the commission’s jurisdiction, $100 million is earmarked just for bridges.

At a June 1 public meeting, SPC staff explained that the increase in funding for Pittsburgh-area transportation infrastructure is thanks to the $1.2 trillion infrastructure law passed by Congress in 2021.

“With passage of the bipartisan law, the highway and bridge funding is back up to higher levels,” said SPC director of transportation planning Domenic D’Andrea.

Roads and bridges are the biggest winners, but bike-and-pedestrian improvements, while still comparatively small, also saw a big jump and increased five-fold compared to the last TIP.

Funds for public transit also saw a modest jump. D’Andrea said this includes some money for capital improvements, but most is for operations. The majority of public transit funds are funneled to Port Authority of Allegheny County — rebranded Pittsburgh Regional Transit last week — the region’s largest public transit agency.

Read the full article at www.triblive.com