About.

Planning is the endeavor to create better communities through the expectation and management of change. It is the job of planners to help manage the economic, social, and environmental issues that arise from such change. 

We perform this role by analyzing data and information from a variety of sources. We identify trends, changes, and conditions in our community and offer recommendations on how best to respond to them. 

Much of our work takes the form of comprehensive, master, or area-wide plans. Plans are strategy documents that offer recommendations on a course of action, it is up to elected officials to set policy that implements the action. The best plans are those that take the community's view into consideration and creates practical and attainable goals for improving the county.

We Are Here to Serve You

Our Technical Resources and Municipal Services (TRAMS) program offers an innovative approach to deliver much needed professional planning services to our municipalities. Of the county's 65 municipalities, fewer than 10 have full-time planners, and less that 1/3 have professional management. This situation creates impediments to implementation of various plans and communities' vision. The TRAMS program seeks to bridge the capacity gap. By leveraging partnerships and professional staff resources, we can equip our communities to change their trajectory. ​

Westmoreland County Planning Staff

Jason Rigone
Director

Jason earned a bachelor's degree in geography with an emphasis in urban and regional planning from Pennsylvania State University. Prior to his role as planning director and Industrial Development Corporation (WCIDC) executive director, Jason has held the positions of planning coordinator with the department, and deputy director with WCIDC.

Jason's varied experiences in planning, economic development, and industrial development are well suited to benefit the residents of Westmoreland County. As director, he guides the long-term strategy of the department. Jason also serves on the board of directors of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce and is chair of the government affairs committee. He can be reached by email. 

Victoria Baur
Assistant Deputy Director

Victoria earned a bachelor’s degree in public policy and community service from Emory & Henry College in Emory, Virginia. Prior to joining the department, Victoria worked in the nonprofit sector, serving Westmoreland and Fayette County residents. Victoria is a member of the American Planning Association and currently serves as vice-chair of the City of Greensburg's Zoning Hearing Board. 

Victoria leads and directs TRAMS projects, handles general planning, subdivision & land development reviews, and communications and document production. She can be reached directly at 724-830-3603 or by email. ​

Joshua Spano
​​Deputy Director

Josh earned a bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and a master's in geography with concentration in regional planning and environmental planning from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Josh also is an adjunct geography professor at Westmoreland County Community College.  Prior to joining the department, Josh worked with Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission as a as a manager.   He is a member of the American Planning Association and currently serves as a board member for the Intelligent Transportation Society-PA Chapter.

Josh supervises planning division staff, oversees the implementation and direction of the comprehensive plan, directs the Technical Resources and Municipal Services (TRAMS) program, and manages transportation planning and programming. He can be reached directly at 724-830-3768 or by email. 

Jillian Caswell 
​Planner II

Jill earned a bachelor's degree in urban studies and communication rhetoric from the University of Pittsburgh. She also earned certificates in nonprofit management and sustainability from Pitt. Prior to joining the department, Jill interned with the Housing Authority of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Jillian is a member of the American Planning Association.

​Jillian handles general planning and research, communications and document production, GIS, and TRAMS projects. She can be reached directly at 724-830-3995 or by email.

Nathan Clair 
​Planner I​

Nate earned a bachelor's degree in urban planning with a concentration in community development from IUP. Prior to joining the department, Nate interned with a local engineering firm in their GIS Department. Nathan is a member of the American Planning Association. ​

​Nathan handles general planning and research, parks & recreation planning, and assists with transportation and GIS. He can be reached directly at 724-689-1397 or by email.

TRAMS Core Functions

RESEARCHER
Planners are trained in statistics and data. This training and professional development enables us to identify the best practices to deploy in our communities.

FACILITATOR
Reaching community consensus on the direction of a community requires specific skills of community engagement, listening, and synthesizing ideas.

ADVISOR
Owing to our knowledge base of economics, housing, transportation, urban design, and land use, among others, uniquely prepares us to offer advice to decision makers.

PROJECT MANAGER
The value of a plan is whether the discrete projects that define it are implemented. Planners have the project management skills to see things through.
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