As I sit watching the snow gently fall, I’m struck by how the winter landscape offers us a natural metaphor for where we stand as a region. Today, I can only see to the end of the block, with the city obscured by the storm—a visual reminder of winter’s unique role in our lives. It’s a season of rest, reflection, and preparation. Beneath the surface, plants are deepening their roots, absorbing nutrients for the next season of growth. This mirrors the work we’ve done together over the past year and sets the stage for what’s to come in 2025.
Since the Hub’s official launch in February 2024, our journey has been nothing short of remarkable. In just 10 months, we’ve built trusting relationships across the region, partnered with leaders to advance critical projects, and provided technical support to nurture new ideas. Together, we supported over $157 million in 45 distinct grant applications, spanning all ten counties. These efforts focus on transformative areas like energy efficiency, environmental remediation, renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, and air and water quality improvements.
These accomplishments are a testament to the power of collaboration. I’m deeply grateful to our staff, our regional partners who welcomed us with open arms, and our team of consultants who worked tirelessly to achieve these milestones. Your dedication and shared vision for a more sustainable and resilient future are the roots that will sustain our collective regional growth and impact.
As we move into this reflective season, we also face uncertainties. The future of federal funding mechanisms—so pivotal to our progress—may be influenced by the political landscape. Yet, even as we navigate this uncertainty, there are clear opportunities on the horizon.
The Hub will focus on leveraging secured funding streams like the $27 billion from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to support green bank financing via the National Clean Investment Fund, local community development financial institutions (CDFIs) offering no-to-low financing for sustainable transition projects, or the dedicated $156 million the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority received via Solar for All. Additionally, the commonwealth launched RISE PA this month, which is a $396 million statewide industrial decarbonization grant program funded through the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program. By aligning our efforts with these initiatives, we can continue driving sustainable projects that benefit our region and its communities forward.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Just before the holidays, our team gathered for a strategic planning session to chart our path for the first quarter of 2025. We’re excited to:
Strengthen our communications, spotlighting the incredible people and projects that are shaping our region.
Foster thoughtful planning and multi-municipal collaborations that amplify impact.
Continue evolving the Hub’s role in serving our partners and driving regional progress.
This year has underscored the critical need for the Hub’s services. It’s clear that our work is making a difference, and we are committed to building on this momentum in the year ahead. But just as winter teaches us, growth requires moments of pause and renewal.
So, as we enter this fallow season, I encourage everyone—our partners, stakeholders, and community members—to take a moment to fill your cups. Rest, reflect, and prepare for the work ahead. We have laid a strong foundation, and 2025 will be a year to grow, thrive, and make an even greater impact together.
Thank you for your trust, collaboration, and shared vision. Let’s keep moving forward, rooted in purpose and reaching for new heights.
Yours in service,
Megan Zeigler
CEO