Scranton, Wilkes-Barre named quarter-finalists in ‘America’s Best Communities’ competition

Two nearby cities in northeast Pennsylvania have been named quarter-finalists in the America’s Best Communities competition.

The grand prize, to be determined in April, is $3 million for a revitalization effort.

Out of 400 cities, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre have both made it to this round, along with 48 other communities. Cities were judged by a panel based on their context and commitment, community identity, economic development and vision and impact. The 50 quarter-finalists each received $50,000 each to help develop a “Community Revitalization Plan.”

Next, the towns are looking to make it to the semi-finals of 15 cities, which will be decided Jan. 13.

The competition is “an economic revitalization prize for change agents in small towns and rural communities,” according to the website. Citizens and organizations working together to improve their towns better for everyone is a main criteria.

Scranton, which boasts a population of 76,089, is 25 square miles with 4,620 businesses. Scranton became well-known nationally after the popular television show, The Office, called it home. The show frequently referenced well-known establishments in the town.

Slightly smaller, Wilkes-Barre is home to 41,498 residents. The town is 7.2 square miles with 2,593 businesses. Wilkes-Barre residents in 1972 were the first to receive HBO, making Wilkes-Barre the birthplace of modern cable TV programming, according to the site.

The competition is led by Frontier Communications, DISH, CoBank and The Weather Channel.