24-04-2025
Norwood recognized by governor for planning efforts
It's said that failing to plan is planning to fail, but in Crawford County that won't happen on Zachary Norwood's watch.
This month, the planning director's work has paid off as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recognized Norwood as a recipient of the 2025 Governor's Award for Local Government Excellence.
Norwood was one of 19 officials in local government to receive the honor, which recognizes officials for their dedication to improving public services through innovative initiatives.
The award is presented annually during Local Government Week and recognizes people focused on community partnerships, fiscal accountability, and sound land use.
Norwood, who moved to Crawford County and joined the planning department 10 years ago, took the seat of director eight years ago.
Under his leadership, the planning office has undertaken various initiatives, including adopting the Crawford Inspired comprehensive plan and investing in physical amenities.
Norwood's work has supported investments like millions in funding for local parks and trails, the county's ongoing housing rehabilitation program, and attraction of private sector investment — such as Evans Square, Adams Place and the proposed redevelopment of the blighted nursing home in Cambridge Springs.
A decade ago, when Norwood first joined, the planning office had adopted a comprehensive plan and had numerous outstanding grant funds that needed to be administered for various projects and programs.
'I took on the role of starting the implementation of the comprehensive plan but also management and oversight of various grant programs,' he said.
He focused on initiatives like the Community Development Block Grant program and the county's Act 13 program. Over the past decade, he has expanded the list to include other federal and state resources for investment.
A key component for Norwood has been community engagement and communication.
'One of the most predominant ways we engage and secure public voices is through the comprehensive planning process,' he said.
The comprehensive plan is like a road map that the county produces every 10 years and guides the county's decision-making.
They do surveys, hold meetings, send out direct mailings and engage residents online.
'Every policy we put out, every grant we go after, every project or initiative we're investing in is intended to further the vision and further the priorities of our citizens that have been expressed in that planning process,' Norwood expressed.
He has also collaborated with various entities like Allegheny College, Crawford County and Crawford Tech, which have all partnered on a federal application for workforce development.
The commission is made of volunteer citizen planners and professional staff who aim to use solution-oriented services to grow the local economy, enhance quality of life and preserve the natural environment. It's that whole team that Norwood said deserves recognition.
'While this is a recognition for myself because I was the named individual, nobody gets to where they are by themselves,' he said. 'I am fortunate enough to have an outstanding staff with a number of extraordinary professionals and a thoroughly engaged planning commission. … And a board of commissioners who have supported us the entire way through and have bought into the vision of Crawford Inspired.'
In addition to his role in Crawford County, Norwood serves as the chair of the Northwest Section of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association, chair of the Northwest Regional Transportation Advisory Committee, and a member of the statewide County Planning Directors Association of Pennsylvania.
County Commissioner Chris Seeley applauded Norwood's achievement in a recent news release, saying, 'Zach has been a driving force behind Crawford County's ability to think long-term, work collaboratively, and deliver on a shared vision for the future. His leadership, professionalism and deep commitment to community engagement have elevated the work of our Planning agency and made a real difference across our county. This recognition is incredibly well-deserved.'
