At their weekly meeting on May 11, 2026, the Coudersport Rotary Club gathered at A&W West End Grill to hear an update from Kal Logue, Community Development/Block Grant Coordinator and guest of Rotarian Janine Morley, regarding the county-wide development initiative known as “Revitalize Potter County.”

Logue explained that it had been two years since he and Will Hunt last addressed the Rotary Club on April 22, 2024, when Potter County was awaiting grant approval to begin work on its first-ever county-wide development plan. He announced that the Potter County Commissioners are expected to officially enact the plan on Thursday, following the close of the public comment period at the end of Wednesday.

According to Logue, county officials reviewed several consulting groups before selecting a team from rural West Virginia that specializes in rural community development. Their vision and planning philosophy closely aligned with Potter County’s goals, particularly their emphasis on including young people in the planning process.

The consultants placed a strong focus on youth engagement, believing that communities must “talk to our future to grow our future.” Eight community meetings were held throughout the county, including five within local school districts. Consultants met with nearly all students in grades 6 through 12 and were impressed by the thoughtful concerns expressed by students, particularly regarding housing and healthcare.

Community participation in the planning process exceeded expectations. More than 80 residents attended the Coudersport meeting, while over 50 participated in Austin. The consultants noted that attendance representing more than 10 percent of the county’s population was exceptional for a rural planning initiative. Online surveys were also made available for residents unable to attend in person.

After gathering public input, the consultants compiled and analyzed the data, prepared a draft plan, and worked with the Commissioners to refine the final document. Logue emphasized that the goal was for the plan to genuinely reflect the voice of the community.

He noted that the development plan outlines both short-term and long-term goals, with some projects expected to take 10 to 15 years to complete. Community organizations such as Rotary will play an important role in helping move projects forward. Having an officially adopted plan will also strengthen future grant applications and funding opportunities.

Among the ideas currently being explored are partnerships to address maternity care challenges, including the possibility of a mobile maternity ward, as well as collaborations with companies that purchase nonfunctional business properties and convert them into rental spaces.

Public comments are still being accepted on the “Revitalize Potter County” plan. The document may be viewed at:

https://pottercountypa.gov/…/community_development.php

Additional information is available through the Potter County Community Development Department.

(Pictured: Kal Logue and Rotarian Janine Morley)