Why I chose Meadville, and why that matters

I moved to Meadville four years ago to raise my family in a place that offered connection, affordability and a sense of possibility. My husband grew up here, and I had worked in communities across the country.

When we visited, something stood out to us; it felt like a place that still cared about its people.

When I think about what makes a community feel like home, it’s not just the infrastructure or the amenities, it’s the sense that people are looking out for one another, that change is possible and that the pace of life allows room to breathe.

I work in economic development, helping communities grow to reflect the needs of their residents. I’ve partnered with cities that have lost their sense of connection. Places where people no longer trust that their voices matter.

Where housing costs have driven families out, public spaces often feel neglected and even minor improvements can take years to implement. I’ve also been a part of communities that are trying to turn the corner, and the ones that succeed are those that start with what they have and build forward with care.

That’s what I see Meadville doing.

Ruby Payne, a researcher specializing in poverty and economic mobility, writes that lasting security doesn’t come solely from income. It’s also about stable housing, supportive relationships and the ability to plan for the future.

Meadville is investing in these foundations.

Where affordable housing is increasingly out of reach across the country, Meadville has taken practical steps to address this issue. The city supported the Whole-Home Repairs Program, enabling residents to maintain their existing homes. An anti-retaliation ordinance protects renters. New zoning regulations make it easier to repurpose vacant buildings for housing. The city adopted a Housing Action Plan and launched a Blight Committee. Together, these efforts represent meaningful progress.

This kind of work benefits everyone.

It enhances the lives of current residents and signals that this is a place where people are working toward a common goal.

When my husband and I chose to live here, we wanted a place where our children could grow up safely, with access to parks, green spaces and neighbors who look out for one another.

We found that in Meadville.

We live a short walk from Huidekoper Park, which has become a central part of our family life. The city’s investment in the park shows that kids matter here.

Across town, you can see other signs of that same commitment: an Active Transportation Plan for safer biking and walking, continued funding for the Meadville Area Recreation Complex, and support for the Summer Parks Program. These investments enable families to spend quality time together without incurring additional expenses.

There’s also care for the environment. The Climate Action Plan, the Shade Tree Commission’s ongoing planting work, and the Environmental Advisory Committee all show a long-term focus on health, beauty, and sustainability.

These choices make Meadville a better place to raise kids and build a future.

And it’s not just families who benefit.

Across the city, practical upgrades are creating a more welcoming and connected community. The Market House received city support that helped unlock over $600,000 in upgrades. The library continues to offer free public programs, ranging from language classes to mahjong for beginners. These places provide people with a reason to come downtown and engage with one another.

The Beautification Committee and Meadville Community Revitalization Corp. have added lights, benches, and signs that brighten our shared spaces.

Community organizations like FCCA and MARC continue to offer events for all ages. These are the small, steady things that make life feel full and hopeful.

Economic opportunity is also a key factor in what makes a place thrive. In every community I’ve worked with, one question always comes up: how do we create more opportunities for people who don’t follow a traditional college path? In Meadville, I see early signs of a thoughtful response.

Hatch Hollow supports entrepreneurs, remote workers and creatives.

Allegheny College is strengthening ties to the local economy, especially through ALIC, the Allegheny Lab for Innovation and Creativity. ALIC offers students hands-on learning and connects them with real-world challenges in the region. Leaders here are building the partnerships that help new ideas grow.

The future of work is changing.

Remote jobs, small businesses, trades and the arts are all part of what’s next.

The communities that thrive will be those that invest in local talent and create flexible, supportive paths for people to succeed.

I wrote this because I believe in this place. Not because it’s perfect, but because I see people working every day to make it better. I hope you believe in it too.

Sally J. Guzik is a Meadville resident and economic development professional.