Who We Are

Our Vision is to support the growth of existing businesses, attracting new enterprises, and creating a safe, affordable and vibrant environment for shopping, dining and entertainment.

Founding, Incorporation, & Early History

The Jeannette Initiative was founded in 1995 as a community-based organization with a mission to bring everyone in town together, and spearhead an effort to revitalize the city economically and socially.

At the start, the group worked to support community efforts in various areas and to provide assistance where it was needed. The original Board of Directors comprised local residents working together toward a long-range plan intended to improve the image and economics of the City of Jeannette.

In 1998, the Jeannette Initiative was incorporated as a nonprofit. With support from the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, the Initiative began looking to play more of a role in the city, including funding grants to support local businesses.

The Initiative also sought to bring together all of the city’s organizations to collaborate together. The intent was to open communication and start a conversation about moving Jeannette in a better direction together as one.

Engaging the Community

In late 2013, then leader of the Initiative, Carlotta Page, organized a series of “Community Conversations” so residents could express their opinions about Jeannette, and what needed to be done to revitalize the community.

Residents were put into groups and asked a series of questions that helped people decide what Jeannette's greatest strengths were, what people cared about in their community, but also asked people to identify what the greatest challenges of the community were and how these challenges can be met and overcome.

At the time, residents expressed deep concern about a lack of businesses in the community, including business on the downtown corridor of Clay Avenue. There was also concern about the city's infrastructure, the number of residents who are living in poverty, and old and abandoned structures around town.

In many ways, these concerns still face city residents today.

Community Collaboration & Main Street Matters

The Initiative began working with the city’s Community Development Department and Council to bring every group together, and work collectively to solve problems facing the community.

It was during this change of direction that the city began working on its comprehensive plan, “Retooling Jeannette,” in 2017. As part of the conversation surrounding how to build a “vibrant downtown,” the importance of the Main Street Matters program and the importance of having a Main Street manager was first discussed. Today, the Jeannette Initiative is preparing to apply for Main Street designation.

The Initiative continues to prioritize bringing everyone together to unite Jeannette’s messaging, promotion, and communication across multiple stakeholders.

Lasting Partnerships & Looking Forward

To that end, in late 2023, the Initiative created the Jeannette Community Revitalization Partnership (JCRP) comprising the Initiative, the City of Jeannette, the Jeannette Business Association and the Jeannette Redevelopment Authority. When the JCRP was created, the Initiative announced its intention to work toward Main Street designation and to hire a Main Street manager. The JCRP will also work to ensure the city’s comprehensive plan is being followed as the Initiative takes on the work of the Main Street program.

In 2025, the Jeannette Initiative hired its first Program Manager, Kristie Linden to complete the Main Street Matters application and oversee the administration of the Initiative’s efforts. With 7 total Committees/Sub-Committees, and Main Street designation on the horizon, the Initiative is ready for its next exciting chapter.