SEDA-COG News Release

Lewisburg, PA – SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) has been actively investigating the potential mismanagement of two housing rehabilitation projects under our administration in the Borough of Berwick. Since discovering the potential issues in 2024, SEDA-COG reported the concerns to Borough officials and to the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (PA DCED). PA DCED conducted its own investigation, resulting in findings regarding other past contracts in SEDA-COG’s grant-funded housing rehabilitation program.

SEDA-COG has a long history of working with municipal partners to create a positive impact in the region’s communities. Over the past decade, we have managed the rehabilitation of 308 homes in 14 communities with an investment of almost $15 million. The projects affected by the DCED findings represent a small number of total contracts.

As an agency devoted to public service, we continue to remain focused on improving processes and the delivery of services to the communities and the individuals we serve. We have restructured the management of the program and are committed to working with both the PA DCED and affected municipalities to efficiently and effectively take corrective action.

The SEDA-COG Board of Directors and staff are committed to providing transparency and accountability and will continue to brief its stakeholders on our efforts to comprehensively remediate the findings.

About SEDA-COG
SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.

For more information, please contact Nancy Osborn, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, SEDA-Council of Governments, at 570-254-4491 x7234 or 570-768-0525 or nosborn@seda-cog.org.

Affordable IT Solutions for Municipalities and Local Governments

THE SOLUTIONS YOU NEED

When your municipality or local government faces IT challenges, you need solutions that are reliable, cost-effective, and tailored to your unique operations. That’s where the SEDA-COG Information Technology Group comes in. With over 20 years of experience, we’re here to help you streamline your systems, safeguard your data, and keep your services running smoothly, so you can focus on serving your community with confidence.

WHAT DOES THIS INCLUDE?

  • Technology Assessment – Review of your current technology with recommended action plan
  • Disaster Recovery – Plans to keep you running smoothly, no matter what happens
  • IT Infrastructure – Creating, setting up, and managing strong IT systems
  • Network Security – Protect your data with advanced security
  • Cloud Solutions – Safe cloud storage and management for your data
  • Website Design/Hosting – Creating or revamping your website

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Serving the 11-county SEDA-COG region, we partner with municipalities and local governments to deliver practical, dependable IT solutions that support day-to-day operations.

  • Centre · Clinton · Columbia · Juniata · Lycoming · Mifflin Montour · Northumberland · Perry · Snyder · Union

CONTACT US

We are committed to providing customized solutions that fit the specific needs of your municipality, whether small or large. For more information or to discuss how we can assist you, please contact Scott Kramer at 570-524-4491 or via email at skramer@seda-cog.org.

 

Download Flyer: SEDA-COG ITG Flyer

SEDA-COG Welcomes Regional County Commissioners for an Insightful Morning of Discussions

Lewisburg, PA – SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) welcomed the regional county commissioners to participate in their Strengthening County Services Together event on Friday, May 30 at their headquarters in Lewisburg.

Seventeen commissioners from across the region were joined by SEDA-COG executive director, deputy director, program directors, and other staff members.

Executive Director Kim Wheeler greeted the county commissioners at the beginning of the event, expressing the importance of each of SEDA-COG’s programs and the significant impact that they have on the surrounding communities.

Wheeler remarked, “Today’s event is meant to be conversational and thought-provoking. Your insights will help shape our strategies moving forward and ensure that the services we provide are not only relevant, but impactful and support your needs and goals.”

The event consisted of breakout sessions where the commissioners and program directors reviewed the achievements of the 2024 calendar year. This was followed by discussions about future initiatives and how SEDA-COG can continue to enhance county services. These discussions were aimed at fostering collaboration and ensuring that the services provided by SEDA-COG continue to meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve.

In closing remarks of the event, SEDA-COG Board President and Snyder County Commissioner Joe Kantz said, “This meeting is to make us stronger and better together cumulatively, because the residents that we all represent care about what is happening in our region.”

Overall, the event was a success, highlighting the importance of partnership and open dialogue in strengthening regional governance and community support. SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.