Mercer County is continuing to update its Comprehensive Plan. As part of this process, the County has developed Objectives with corresponding Action Items under the following five focus areas:
  • Resilient Infrastructure and Connected Communities
  • Diverse Housing and Stronger Neighborhoods
  • Vibrant Economy and Workforce Development
  • Stewardship of Natural Resources and Outdoor Assets
  • Thriving Communities and Inclusive Quality of Life
Because County resources are limited, we are asking for the public’s help to identify which priorities matter most.

You have 10 total points to distribute among the Objectives that you value the most. You may assign all 10 points to a single Objective or divide them among the 15 options —however you choose.

Please enter your chosen number of points in the box next to each priority. This survey will remain open until November 9, 2025.

Note: not all questions will need a number entered because you only have 10 total. If you go over the allotted 10 points, your survey will be invalid. Please take the time to complete the survey and become a part of the process.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to: Brandi Rosselli: brosselli@mackinengineering.com or Doniele Russell: drussell@mcrpc.com

Question Title

* 1. Objective: Maintain, modernize, and expand infrastructure to support growth, safety, and long-term sustainability.

Actions:
  • Seek upgrade roads, bridges, water, sewer, and utility systems, especially in growth corridors and underserved areas.
  • Extend natural gas lines to unserved areas, matching system capacity with future development demand.
  • Upgrade stormwater infrastructure to mitigate flooding and incorporate green infrastructure solutions.
  • Invest in modern electrical grids and explore renewable energy sources to ensure reliable and resilient power.
  • Plan proactively for future needs such as EV charging stations and smart traffic systems.
  • Utilize asset management plans to prioritize maintenance and avoid costly infrastructure failures.

0 Focus Area: Resilient Infrastructure and Connected Communities 10
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i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* 2. Objective: Expand broadband and digital connectivity across the County.

Actions:
  • Encourage private investment in countywide high-speed internet and cell coverage to eliminate service gaps.
  • Support public-private partnerships and grant programs to expand access to rural and low-income areas.
  • Prioritize broadband in areas with poor connectivity to support telework, education, and telehealth.
  • Encourage competition among providers to improve service quality and lower costs.

0 Focus Area: Resilient Infrastructure and Connected Communities 10
Clear
i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* 3. Objective: Strengthen multimodal transportation and intergovernmental coordination.

Actions:
  • Improve public transit by enhancing bus services and developing safer routes for bikes and pedestrians.
  • Ensure mobility access for vulnerable populations and workers.
  • Connect communities through expanded sidewalks, trails, and transit links.
  • Complete key trail connections linking urban centers with rural attractions like parks and historic sites.
  • Coordinate with municipalities to improve sidewalks, crosswalks, and lighting in neighborhoods, city centers, and downtowns to support walkability.
  • Establish a county-municipal infrastructure task force to align improvements and jointly apply for funding.

0 Focus Area: Resilient Infrastructure and Connected Communities 10
Clear
i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* 4. Objective: Expand and diversify housing options for residents of all ages and income levels.

Actions:
  • Develop zoning best practices to encourage various housing types.
  • Encourage new housing through tax incentives, reduced regulatory barriers, and public-private partnerships.
  • Promote multi-family and mixed-use development in targeted areas.
  • Promote accessible one-story homes and senior housing to support aging in place and mobility.
  • Encourage family housing near communities poised to grow.
  • Support housing within and surrounding downtown districts.

0 Focus Area: Diverse Housing and Stronger Neighborhoods 10
Clear
i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* 5. Objective: Revitalize blighted properties and strengthen neighborhood conditions.

Actions:
  • Provide a toolkit for municipalities to use to build a robust blight elimination program for renovating or removing vacant and dilapidated structures.
  • Support code enforcement and landlord accountability to improve housing safety and appearance.
  • Support rehabilitation loans and grants to help homeowners and landlords repair aging homes and rental units.
  • Develop a County land bank to reposition abandoned properties for new housing, parks, or community spaces.

0 Focus Area: Diverse Housing and Stronger Neighborhoods 10
Clear
i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* 6. Objective: Improve neighborhood quality and increase affordable, attainable housing.

Actions:
  • Create a countywide housing task force or coalition to guide housing strategy and share best practices.
  • Focus revitalization efforts in distressed areas with grants, volunteer programs, and nonprofit partnerships.
  • Promote the equitable regional distribution of low-income housing, housing programs, and funding sources to fill gaps in construction costs and providing attainable housing.
  • Promote inclusive development that blends market rate and affordable units across different municipalities.
  • Expand affordable housing initiatives such as LIHTC projects, homebuyer assistance, and rent-to-own programs.
  • Engage school districts, nonprofits, and partners in housing reuse and neighborhood improvement efforts.
  • Expand the “side-lot program" to be county-wide.

0 Focus Area: Diverse Housing and Stronger Neighborhoods 10
Clear
i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* 7. Objective: Support existing industries, attract new industries, and redevelop underutilized properties for economic growth.

Actions:
  • Promote Mercer County’s location, affordability, and infrastructure to attract advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and technology firms.
  • Use site readiness, streamlined permitting, and tax incentives to recruit companies with stable, well-paying jobs.
  • Encourage public-private partnerships to redevelop downtowns, vacant sites, and brownfields with mixed-use and co-working space to support innovation.
  • Support and retain existing businesses through technical assistance, funding access, and local partnerships.
  • Create model zoning and other regulations to eliminate barriers to business growth.

0 Focus Area: Vibrant Economy and Workforce Development 10
Clear
i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* 8. Objective: Support entrepreneurship, local businesses, city centers, and downtown vitality.

Actions:
  • Leverage a network of programs, diverse funding, and education to expand entrepreneurial opportunities and equip small business owners with best practices for success.
  • Enhance access to capital and business expertise through microgrants, workshops, and expanded development services.
  • Coordinate regional shop-local campaigns, small business fairs, and other events to drive foot traffic.
  • Foster a business-friendly climate that encourages reinvestment and revitalization in commercial corridors.

0 Focus Area: Vibrant Economy and Workforce Development 10
Clear
i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* 9. Objective: Build a skilled workforce and retain youth through career pathways and training.

Actions:
  • Continue to promote and work with schools, vocational programs, nonprofits, and employers to create pipelines from classroom to careers.
  • Continue to partner with colleges and training providers for re-skilling and upskilling opportunities.
  • Launch a unified branding and marketing campaign to highlight Mercer’s quality of life and business potential.
  • Consider offering relocation grants or remote worker incentives to attract and retain young professionals and families.
  • Engage all municipalities in joint marketing efforts to promote a cohesive economic identity.
  • Encourage growth in communities with existing infrastructure and build around tourism and institutional assets.

0 Focus Area: Vibrant Economy and Workforce Development 10
Clear
i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* 10. Objective: Expand trails, blueways, and recreation access as part of a countywide outdoor network.

Actions:
  • Develop an east-west and north-south trail system that connects to regional trails and local amenities.
  • Improve waterway access with paddle trails, new boat launches, and portage facilities along the Shenango River and other waterways.
  • Seek easements, rail-trail conversions, and partnerships with landowners to expand trail corridors.
  • Partner with conservation/natural resource organizations for land acquisition, maintenance, and programming.

0 Focus Area: Stewardship of Natural Resources and Outdoor Assets 10
Clear
i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* 11. Objective: Protect farmland, open space, and sensitive environments through long-range planning.

Actions:
  • Create a Greenways & Recreation Plan that maps corridors, parks, waterways, and critical conservation lands.
  • Adopt Phase II of the Act 167 Plan for stormwater management.
  • Promote the importance of local watershed plans.
  • Seek funding to update the County’s Natural Heritage Inventory and digitize the map.
  • Direct development away from sensitive lands and balance rural preservation with solar, residential, and other growth.
  • Support Clean & Green and agricultural easement programs to preserve farmland and educate landowners.

0 Focus Area: Stewardship of Natural Resources and Outdoor Assets 10
Clear
i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* 12. Objective: Promote outdoor recreation as a driver for tourism and economic development.

Actions:
  • Market major indoor and outdoor destinations like Maurice K. Goddard State Park, Buhl Park, and the Shenango River.
  • Work with partners, such as Visit Mercer County, to host events such as fishing tournaments, paddle races, and eco-tourism weekends to attract visitors.
  • Coordinate with state tourism agencies and develop an online presence and calendar for parks and outdoor events.
  • Develop a public interactive map of parks, trails, waterways, and amenities, updated regularly and shared widely.
  • Leverage grant opportunities from DCNR, USDA, and others for recreation and environmental projects.
  • Partner with environmental groups to create additional outdoor spaces for hands-on educational experiences.

0 Focus Area: Stewardship of Natural Resources and Outdoor Assets 10
Clear
i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* 13. Objective: Expand healthcare access, public safety, and basic services for all residents.

Actions:
  • Support the local high-quality hospitals and clinics and promote expanded outreach like mobile clinics and health fairs.
  • Promote preventative care through wellness programs at parks, schools, and community centers.
  • Work with partners, such as Mercer County Regional Transit, to improve access to mental health, primary care, maternal care, and addiction services, including transportation for rural residents.
  • Support efforts of local fire, EMS, and police services to broaden funding and remain sustainable.
  • Encourage regionalization of emergency services for broader coverage and efficiency.

0 Focus Area: Thriving Communities and Inclusive Quality of Life 10
Clear
i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* 14. Objective: Strengthen education, youth engagement, and family support systems.

Actions:
  • Support Feasibility Studies to promote greater cooperation and sharing of services among County School Districts.
  • Advocate for high-quality, well-funded schools that align with workforce needs and promote community vitality.
  • Partner with schools, philanthropic organizations, and nonprofits to expand after-school, mentorship, and summer job opportunities.
  • Support early childhood education and increase access to childcare through supportive zoning and employer programs.
  • Encourage collaboration and shared services between school districts to improve education and operational efficiency.

0 Focus Area: Thriving Communities and Inclusive Quality of Life 10
Clear
i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* 15. Promote community involvement, equity, and support for all county residents.

Actions:
  • Engage all populations of the County in planning and ensure access to decision-making and programs.
  • Support festivals, cultural programs, and events that build civic pride and celebrate diversity.
  • Promote volunteerism through community clean-up days, beautification projects, and youth leadership initiatives.
  • Work with partners to expand transportation, transitional housing, and support services for low-income families, seniors, and the homeless.
  • Coordinate with nonprofits and faith-based organizations to expand food access, senior care, and social services.
  • Coordinate with banks, lending institutions, nonprofits, and other interested parties to provide financial literacy programs.
  • Encourage intergovernmental cooperation to share services and promote events.

0 Focus Area: Thriving Communities and Inclusive Quality of Life 10
Clear
i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* 16. In addition to the top recommendations presented, do you suggest any other ideas for priority recommendations?

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