Lackawanna County Department of Planning and Economic Development

09/09/2026

09/09/2026

💕 SEPTEMBER 25: LET’S MAKE IT “DOLLY DAY” IN LACKAWANNA COUNTY! 📚🦋

In keeping with Dolly Parton and her family's wishes, those wanting to honor her life and legacy are encouraged to support her Imagination Library.

To date, more than 110,000 books have been sent to children in Lackawanna County through this amazing program, and with the help of our community, we want to keep that number growing! Over 2,800 children are currently receiving books each month, and we have a waiting list of 400 more children who'd like to sign up - but we need your help!

On September 25 (9-2-5) 🎵, we’re calling on businesses, schools, organizations, offices, and workplaces across Lackawanna County to join United Way in celebrating DOLLY DAY and supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Lackawanna County!

👖 DRESS DOWN FOR DOLLY!
Invite your employees to dress down (or add a little Dolly-inspired sparkle ✨) and donate $9, $2, or $5 in honor of 9/25.

Every dollar raised stays right here in our community, helping us continue placing FREE books directly into the hands and homes of Lackawanna County children. ❤️📚

And if a dress-down day doesn’t work for your workplace? Get creative! Host a bake sale. Have a “Dolly Day” coffee jar. Wear pink. Break out the rhinestones. Challenge another department. Collect $5 donations. Create your own fundraiser.
However you do it, do it for Dolly. 🦋

And now we need YOUR help spreading the word!

🏷️ TAG a local business, school, organization, or workplace in the comments that you want to see participate in Dolly Day!

Imagine what could happen if workplaces all across Lackawanna County came together for just ONE day...each raising a few dollars, each celebrating Dolly, and each helping another local child discover the joy of receiving a book in the mail with their very own name on it.

$30 provides books for one child for an entire year.
$150 supports a child for the life of the program.

On 9/25, let’s write the next chapter. 📖
🦋 Honor Dolly.
📚 Keep the books coming.
❤️ Keep her dream alive.

Soo...Who’s joining us for Dolly Day?!

Donations can be made here: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/3I6cng?vid=1s94uq

09/08/2026

09/03/2026

September is Lackawanna County Workforce Development Month. Today, the Workforce Development Board is sponsoring an Awareness Day at PA CareerLink Lackawanna County, 135 Franklin Ave., Scranton, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring over 25 employers and training professionals who are offering area residents the opportunity for employment or skills development. The Lackawanna County Commissioners recognized the organization’s efforts to improve the area’s economic outlook and to assist individuals in advancing their careers with a proclamation.

Pictured are, from left, Commissioners Bill Gaughan and Thom Welby, Cathy Gerard and Virgina Turano, CareerLink and Workforce Development Administrators; and Commissioner Chris Chermak.

08/10/2026

In the hustle and bustle of life have you forgotten where your birth certificate is and now find yourself needing it? Well, September 3rd could be your lucky day. You can be you again officially and for FREE!! 😀

08/04/2026

📣 PA small businesses—applications are now open! The PA CDFI Network Microgrants Program offers $7,500–$20,000 in no-repayment funding for historically disadvantaged, for‑profit small businesses operating anywhere in Pennsylvania.

Eligible businesses must be 51% owned by historically disadvantaged individuals, have fewer than 100 employees, generate most revenue in PA, and be active at the time of award.
Funds can support equipment, marketing, websites, inventory, working capital, professional services, and more—helping businesses grow and strengthen operations.

⏳ Apply by August 10, 2026!

Spread the word and help entrepreneurs access the support they deserve. Learn more.

https://pacdfinetwork.org/basc-microgrants-program/

07/31/2026

The 45-day public review period for the Cooperative Zoning Ordinances of the Northern Lackawanna (NorLACK) Regional Planning Association begins Monday, Aug. 3. Get all the details and view the maps and ordinances at www.lackawannacounty.org/news_detail_T8_R983.php.

07/29/2026

Attention Employers:

07/28/2026

Help shape the future of public transit in Lackawanna County — there are two easy ways to weigh in.

Tus ideas ayudarán a dar forma al futuro del transporte público.
¡Completa la encuesta y comparte tu opinión!

Your Opinion Matters. Su opinión importa.
📝 Take our survey online (Realice nuestra encuesta en línea)
👉 https://coltsbus.com/tdp

07/20/2026

Three Lackawanna County officials joined colleagues from the nation's 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs at the 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference in New Orleans from July 17 to 20. Representing the county were, from left, Director of Arts & Culture Maureen McGuigan, Grants Manager Sandra Opshinsky and Business Relations Coordinator James Hazen.