The Allegheny Conference on Community Development announced Monday that nine community partners are being added to the Strengthening Communities Partnership (SCP) — including the City of Butler.

The program stimulates regional vitality by forging collaboration between business and community leaders to improve neighborhoods across the region. These neighborhoods join seven current community development organizations representing Connellsville; Homewood; McKees Rocks; Mount Oliver, Knoxville; Sharpsburg; City of Washington; and Wilkinsburg.

The SCP partnership aims to help communities achieve stronger momentum in their economic transformation by accessing new public and private partnership, resources and tools.

“In order to build our next generation economy for all, we need a vital, globally competitive economy where thriving people live in the highest quality of place,” said Stefani Pashman, CEO of Allegheny Conference.

Since its inception in 2012, SCP has assisted communities to bring in more than $15 million in revenue. By expanding the program, SCP will benefit close to 200,000 residents throughout the region.

"We're very excited to be selected to be in the SCP for the Allegheny Conference," said Jordan Grady, executive director for the Butler County Chamber of Commerce. "We think this will supplement the opportunity zone and drive economic development in the City of Butler."

Other communities joining the partnership include: Beaver Falls; Bloomfield; Braddock, North Braddock, Rankin, Swissvale; Fineview, Perry Hilltop; Hazelwood; Hill District; Penn Hills; and Homestead, West Homestead, Munhall.

This article is an excerpt. To read the full article, pick up Tuesday's Butler Eagle.