Central PA United
Central PA United believes the power of the people in our communities can transform our futures to foster an environment where we all prosper.
We are building independent political power in Central Pennsylvania for working-class families. Our organizing bridges issue-based campaigns and strategic electoral politics. By participating in issues-based campaigns, we can measure where our community stands on topics such as: safe and affordable housing, criminal justice reform, renters’ rights, tackling climate change, and more. Once we know where our community stands, we are able to run candidates based on what the people want, not corporate interests.
We believe in residents’ right to co-governance, returning decision-making power to the community, and empowering them in daily life decisions, not just during elections.
“I want to work for laws, policies, and candidates that strengthen social safety nets, not aim to destroy it. That is why I am a member of Central PA United.”
In 2022, Central PA United prioritized housing justice. Affordable housing was a significant concern for our members and the community at large. We engaged in canvassing and community gatherings, collaborating to develop a comprehensive Tenants’ Bill of Rights. Council Members Divine Lipscomb and Gopal Balachandran led this effort on the Borough Council. In October 2022, the State College Borough Council unanimously approved the Tenants’ Bill of Rights, promoting housing equity and tenant advocacy. By December 2023, the Council established the Housing Specialist position, marking a historic step towards implementing the Bill of Rights.
In 2023, CPAU focused on building power by supporting Matt Herndon in the general election for State College Borough Council. Matt Herndon ran to make State College sustainable, affordable, bikeable, and inclusive. His platform included
- Tackling climate change with sustainable transportation and zoning reform.
- Fighting for racial and economic justice through inclusionary zoning and criminal justice reform.
- Building affordable housing and create tenant protections for an equitable community.
- Building transit equity by improving bike paths, public transit, and pedestrian safety.
Matt Herndon is a member of the State College Transportation Commission. His educational background is a BS in Computer Science from Cornell University, and he uses his skills as a programmer to help the world with a focus on climate change. His current employer, Voltus, saves utility customers money and cuts total emissions by tackling the difficult challenge of demand response.
“I want to make State College more sustainable, affordable, bikeable, and inclusive. I believe in building an equitable government, no matter your race, class, or political affiliation.”
