McCandless receives state award for efforts to improve communication with residents

Until just a few years ago, getting information from McCandless often required attending council meetings or making a round of phone calls to town officials.

And while residents can still do those things, the municipality has launched several initiatives that use technology to expand the way residents and officials communicate with each other.

The state recently acknowledged the town’s efforts with the 2021 Governors Award for Local Government Excellence, which is administered through the Department of Community and Economic Development.

“After being faced with an unprecedented pandemic that impacted communities across the state, this year’s awards truly speak to and honor the resilience and proactive efforts of the inspiring Pennsylvania community leaders and groups that we are celebrating today,” said DCED secretary Dennis Davin.

“From tackling homelessness to addressing limited personal protective equipment supplies for older adults and students’ access to online education, and more, these projects have brought critical services and assistance to residents in need statewide and in many cases position communities for long term success in their project areas,” Davin said.

Ten communities, five organizations, and eight individuals from across the commonwealth were recognized for excellent service as part of the 25th Annual Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence.

In its announcement of winners, the state said:

“McCandless underwent a communications overhaul, adding new channels of information sharing and increasing shared information, including town website enhancements.”

State officials also noted that McCandless has a Facebook page, a YouTube channel and the Savvy Citizen cell phone texting/app. The town has recently created a separate Facebook page for the police department.

Town officials said other efforts to improve communications include the creation of a Technology Advisory Committee, the launch of the McCandless and Me interactive website, an Instagram account, the McMail monthly newsletter and the town webpage.

The town also has renewed its partnership with the North Allegheny School District to host an informational cable channel.

“Thank you for the hard work and vision from the collaboration of our citizens, council and administration and Technology Advisory Committee to move our community forward toward more effective communication and transparency,” said council president Kim Zachary.