October 10, 2022

How to Fight Blight with Conservatorship

Blight is a serious and pervasive issue in communities throughout Pennsylvania, and it often puts local governments in a precarious position when it comes to remediation. The 2008 Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act, however, is an important legislation that gives local governments power to return neglected properties to productive […]
September 23, 2022

Announcing the Fall Lunch & Learn Webinar Series

We are pleased to announce that Local Government Academy’s Fall Lunch & Learn Webinar Series kicks off Thursday, October 6. The series of lunchtime webinar discussions will feature timely topics relevant to local government officials and employees:   Thursday, October 6: Considerations for Municipal Fleet Electrification to learn about funding […]
September 20, 2022

It’s Fall Y’all and school is back in session.

Local Government Academy is all about education. From our Municipal Intern Program, Newly Elected Officials Course, to our Technical Assistance services, education is central to what we do. We have an immense responsibility to put forth non-partisan, fact-based information to help local governments succeed, and we work diligently to maintain […]
September 19, 2022

Harnessing Hydrogen: Exploring Local & Regional Opportunities in Appalachia

Southwestern Pennsylvania has long been a powerhouse for industry and is attracting investments in an emerging energy sector – hydrogen energy. But how will this influence our region? Join stakeholders and local officials on October 4, 2022, for a free workshop, “Harnessing Hydrogen: Exploring Local & Regional Opportunities in Appalachia”, […]
August 30, 2022

Lessons Learned in Local Government: Global Problems are Local Problems

This summer, through the Municipal Intern Program (MIP), I met two amazing graduate students who, I believe, are going to change the world. Joseph Acevedo and Shrinath Suresh, both attending the University of Pittsburgh, GSPIA, had the incredible experience working with a forward-thinking municipality to help foster equitable development, improve […]
August 19, 2022

Thank You for Another Great Year of Golf!

The big day arrived with a clear, blue sky and a bright sunrise: a perfect day for golf. Local Government Academy’s staff, Golf Committee Members, and volunteers arrived at the sprawling green of the Cranberry Highlands Golf Course to greet and check in arriving golfers, who then made their way […]
August 9, 2022

Closing Out the 2022 Municipal Intern Program

On Thursday, August 8, 2022, we returned to the Engineer’s Society of Western Pennsylvania for our Annual Recognition Luncheon. Our 27th cycle of the Municipal Internship Program (MIP) concluded with a celebration of the achievements made by 17 bright grads and undergrads whose projects ranged from municipal governments, development corporations, […]
July 26, 2022

From the Executive Director: Breaking barriers, building community, and lifting people up

Breaking barriers, building community, and lifting people up – this is the role public officials can play in our lives and, I believe, should. Our elected representatives have a responsibility to REPRESENT all those in their communities and to serve selflessly and for the common good. Local governments are the […]
July 20, 2022

2022 Municipal Intern Program – Development Day #2

This year’s Municipal Intern Program (MIP) has capitalized on the value of lasting professional relationships, networking, and career building. Intern Project Coordinator Lauren Lowen has facilitated weekly check-ins with interns to hear about progress and wellness, while Lunch and Learn sessions have featured resume critiques and a comprehensive discussion on […]
June 14, 2022

From the Executive Director: The 2022 Municipal Intern Program is Underway

Each year, Local Government Academy’s unique workforce development initiative, the Municipal Intern Program (MIP), introduces graduate and undergraduate students to careers in the public sector. The program is designed to showcase the diversity of job opportunities available in local government, attracting top-notch talent from our world-renowned colleges and universities. This […]