The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) is the regional planning agency serving the 10-county Southwestern Pennsylvania region. As the official Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), SPC directs the use of state and federal transportation and economic development funds allocated to the region. SPC helps counties, cities, municipalities, and townships use federal transportation funds in a timely way. SPC is also the region’s designated Local Development District and Economic Development District by the Appalachian Regional Commission and the US Department of Commerce. In this role, SPC establishes regional economic development priorities and provides a wide range of services to the region.
Jim Hassinger
HRS recruited Jim Hassinger, Ph.D. from Charlotte, NC in 2001 to serve as the Executive Director/President & CEO. During his 18-year tenure with SPC, Jim initiated the first ever regional stakeholder “listening sessions” with large public meetings throughout the region broadcast simultaneously on videoconference to gather critical insights in support of regional planning. Under his leadership, the SPC was recognized as one of the premier Councils of Government (COG) in the United States. Jim served on the board of the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) in Washington, DC, and served as Chair of its Executive Directors Council. He also served as Chair of the Regional and Intergovernmental Planning Division of the American Planning Association.