Lansford Borough Council took another step toward becoming a Blueprint Community, a designation that could help with revitalization and redevelopment in the borough and its neighboring towns.

Back in November, Lansford along with Summit Hill, Coaldale and Nesquehoning applied jointly for the designation for the Panther Valley communities, competing with other teams from throughout eastern Pennsylvania.

In December, the Panther Valley team was selected for a community visit, which increased its chances of being selected.

Communities selected will learn about community development, development initiatives and put together a regional revitalization plan. They also connect with resources, such as state agencies for funding.

The program, which was started by FHLBank Pittsburgh in 2005, also opens the door to some federal and national nonprofit and foundation funding sources. A regional approach also helps in grant applications.

Each community or team must select 10 to 12 members as community representatives, such as a council member, a member of a community organization, an economic development professional and a real estate developer or specialist.

Last Wednesday, Lansford Borough Council passed a resolution authorizing its council president, Bruce Markovich, as a local government representative of the community team.

Those core team members will begin an 18-month training program in April, shortly after formal announcement of communities selected for this designation.

No official announcement has been made regarding the communities or teams selected for this round.

Tamaqua was one of the original participants in the Blueprint Communities program, and one of its success stories. The community’s participation ended in 2015.