Gov. Ed Rendell's office has designated several areas as "Blueprint Communities," meaning they will have access to comprehensive training, technical assistance and funding opportunities for revitalization.

The project, outlined by Rendell Tuesday in Harrisburg, will include workshops to train neighbors to map out plans for community improvements.

Communities chosen for the program are Hazelwood and Larimer in Pittsburgh; Carnegie, Etna, McKeesport and Wilkinsburg in Allegheny County; Brownsville, Connellsville and Uniontown in Fayette County; Irwin and New Kensington in Westmoreland County; Aliquippa, Beaver County; Canonsburg, Washington County; and Waynesburg, Greene County.

Leadership teams from the blueprint communities will begin training sessions with representatives from business and government.

More: blueprintcommunities.com