Columnists
10/01/2026 · Devon
The Three-Breath Buffer That Keeps Your Day From Driving You
Before you answer the annoying email, open the news, or say yes on autopilot, try creating a tiny pause. Three deliberate breaths can give you back the choice you thought you’d lost.
The Bird That Keeps Singing: Emily Dickinson’s Small, Stubborn Hope
Emily Dickinson gives hope feathers, a perch, and one remarkable habit: it sings without asking for anything in return. Read this tiny poem today when you need courage that doesn’t make a speech.
09/30/2026
Seneca on the Trouble We Invent Before Anything Happens
A Roman philosopher had a sharp diagnosis for modern anxiety: the mind is often more inventive in anticipation than reality ever gets the chance to be.
09/30/2026
The National Ear: Washington Keeps Betting on the Last Minute
Congress still treats deadlines like personality tests, while families and employers absorb the cost of political theater. Meanwhile, regulators and courts keep writing the rules that will shape the next decade.
09/30/2026
The Museum Audio Guide Deserves a Standing Ovation
Forget the blockbuster exhibition for a moment. The most underrated performer in any museum is the little plastic rectangle whispering historical gossip directly into your ear.
09/30/2026
Stop Pretending You Need Another Prestige Drama. Watch “The Pitt.”
“The Pitt” is the rare medical show that understands an emergency room is not a metaphor for America—it is simply a place where everyone is tired, bleeding, and making terrible decisions. Plus: four things worth your time, and one expensive-looking dud to leave in the digital lobby.
10/01/2026
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View allStrategic Plan / Managing for Results
Strategic Plan / Managing for Results | Chester County, PA - Official Website Chester County Commissioners: Eric M. Roe, Josh Maxwell and Marian D. Moskowitz We are committed to supporting our strategic plan that establishes priorities for the future of Chester County and increases accountability, transparency, and performance in Chester County Government. Chester County was recognized for its performance management leadership with the Certificate of Achievement in Performance Management from the International City/County Management Association in 2019, 2020, and 2021, the final year of the award program. Strategic Priorities Health & Human Services Protect vulnerable people in the community while promoting healthy choices. Public Safety Ensure safe and secure communities. Economy Support the growth and development of a strong and vibrant economy for all residents. Growth, Preservation & Environment Manage growth and land use to preserve and optimize quality of life, effective transportation, and environmental assets for future generations. Financial Management Continue to exercise sound financial management and maintain the County's financial strength while minimizing the property tax burden. Governance Pursue excellence through exceptional customer service, transparency, accountability, and innovation. Strategic Plan Priorities and Goals The Strategic Plan Priorities and Goals, along with detailed department strategic plans and results data, are published in the County's annual Approved Budget. Printable version of the Strategic Plan Priorities and Goals. Managing for Results Managing for Results is an ongoing performance management system connecting the processes of planning, budgeting, managing, and evaluating. Plan – Set priorities and goals establishing agreement around intended outcomes. Budget – Use Priority Based Budgeting (PBB) to develop a strategic budget that both reflects our community values and ensures that residents will continue to receive a high level of County services. Manage – Administer county business processes and service delivery to create the highest level of efficiency possible. Measure and Report – Identify, collect, analyze, and report on indicators that show how well the County performs, both internally and in the delivery of services to the public, and how that performance compares with established targets. Evaluate and Improve – Assess and adjust County government's direction in response to a changing environment Measurement and reporting are an integral part of each process. Timely performance and management data are available to be used as tools with each process. Performance outcomes are reviewed and discussed as part of regular department head meetings with leadership. Result outcomes are published in the County's annual Approved Budget. Quality of Life Survey A Countywide Citizen Survey was conducted in 2023 as part of the review process for the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan.
Agriculture
The Department of Parks and Preservation administers the Agricultural Land Preservation Program for Chester County established in 1989 when the Chester County Commissioners authorized the Agricultural Land Preservation Board (ALPB) to implement the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program and the Chester County Challenge Grant Program. These programs were developed to strengthen the agricultural economy, protect prime farmland, and enable the County to purchase conservation easements from farmers. Chester County proactively seeks to preserve the agricultural base of Chester County’s leading industry. The program guarantees a future food supply, contributes to a healthier economy, and protects the heritage of the rich agricultural history in Chester County. Through these programs, the County seeks to permanently preserve agricultural land by purchasing farmland preservation easements and supporting the owners of preserved farmland to be ideal land managers and stewards. These programs are structured to work with conservation partners from the Commonwealth and municipalities, as well as with landowners and other private funding sources to protect the investment of taxpayers through agricultural conservation easements.
Chester County Commissioners Invest More Than $1.7 Million in Parks and Open Space
West Chester, PA – The Chester County Board of Commissioners today announced the allocation of more than $1.7 million in grant funding to support 16 park and open space projects across the county. These grants, awarded through the County’s Parks and Preservation Program, will assist municipalities and non-profit organizations in acquiring land, developing new recreational facilities, and preserving existing natural areas. Projects receiving funding include: * **Borough of Downingtown:** $250,000 for the acquisition of a 10-acre parcel adjacent to Marsh Creek State Park to expand public access and recreational amenities. * **East Brandywine Township:** $150,000 for the development of a new community park, including walking trails, a playground, and picnic areas. * **Tredyffrin Township:** $200,000 to support the preservation of a 50-acre woodland area, ensuring its protection from future development and maintaining its ecological value. * **Valley Forge Audubon Society:** $75,000 to assist in the restoration and enhancement of bird habitats within the Valley Creek watershed. * **Chester County Parks and Recreation Department:** $300,000 for the rehabilitation of aging infrastructure at Hibernia County Park, including trail improvements and restroom facilities. The full list of awarded projects and their respective funding amounts can be found on the Chester County website. "Investing in our parks and open spaces is an investment in the health and well-being of our community," said Chairwoman Marian Moskowitz. "These projects will not only provide much-needed recreational opportunities but also protect our natural heritage for generations to come." Commissioner Josh Maxwell added, "We are thrilled to support these vital initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Chester County. From expanding trail networks to preserving critical habitats, this funding will have a tangible impact on our residents and our environment." The Chester County Parks and Preservation Program is funded through a combination of county appropriations and state grants. Applications for the next round of funding will open in Spring 2027.
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