Meet the 'One-Man Community Redevelopment Machine'

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette profiles a man in a small town in Pennsylvania that does a pretty good impression of Santa Claus, if you ask us.

1 minute read

December 27, 2015, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"Foxburg has no traffic lights, no industry, no Starbucks," begins the article by Kris B. Mamula, about the town of 200 located about 90 miles from Pittsburgh. "What this Clarion County community does have is a grandfatherly doctor who has become a one-man community redevelopment machine. Arthur Steffee’s vision: Capitalize on Foxburg’s scenic views of the Allegheny River to create a destination for tourists and lift the region’s economy."

Mamula goes on to detail the history, distant and recent, of Foxburg, before discussing the "Go Foxburg!" branding effort at the center of Stefee's vision for the community. Stefee's real estate portfolio is also at the center of the effort: "A gourmet chocolate shop, pizza and country store, winery, Segway and boat tours, bike rentals and the 24-room Foxburg Inn, featuring 'elopement packages,' all owe something to Dr. Steffee’s investments."

Tuesday, December 22, 2015 in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

Close-up on car dashboard with odometer and speedometer at night.

Can State Lawmakers Make the Case for Road Charges?

More state legislatures are considering fees based on vehicle miles traveled as a replacement for declining gas tax revenues.

15 minutes ago - Governing

Orange sign with white "Electric vehicle charging only" sign outdoors with tree in background.

10 States Follow Through on Promise to Put 3.3 Million EVs on the Road

Rebate programs are at the heart of collaborative success.

1 hour ago - Oregon Capital Chronicle

Red and yellow surfboards leaning against fence in Maui, Hawaii.

Surf’s Upcycling: Hawai‘i’s Latest Green Building Material is Recycled Surf Boards

“Surf Blocks” are fire-resistant, termite-proof, and close the loop on mountains of waste from the state’s beloved sport.

March 19 - Honolulu Civil Beat