Blight

March 13, 2023

Local Government 101

The Local Government 101 webinar series not only covers the functions and obligations of government officials but also best practices for thriving communities and good governance. From the basics such as the differences between boroughs, cities, and townships to key strategies for addressing complex municipal issues, such as responding to […]
February 14, 2023

Community Partnerships and Collaboration Announcement

We are thrilled to announce the commencement of new grant programs and training opportunities focused on real-world challenges facing our communities. This new Community Partnerships and Collaboration programing prioritizes the delivery of vital technical assistance to local municipalities, enabling communities to tackle longstanding problems such as blight and financial insecurity. […]
January 16, 2023

Announcing the Budget and Finance Management Virtual Training Series

  The Budget and Finance Management Virtual Training Series is designed specifically for Public Sector employees and those interested in Public Administration. The 2023 schedule features municipal finance experts and local government peers who will explain the basics of municipal budgeting while sharing best practices in good governance. To join […]
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 […]
November 8, 2021

Registration for NEOC is OPEN

Registration for the 2021-2022 Newly Elected Officials Course (NEOC) is OPEN. It’s time for elected, appointed, and veteran officials to sign up for the most comprehensive training program offered to local government officials. NEOC builds a solid foundation of knowledge essential to effective governing. Focusing on the unique needs of […]
April 2, 2021

Blight: What I’ve Learned and Looking Forward

The Local Government Academy’s field work component of the Blight Mitigation Initiative kicked off in December 2020, which sought to create and perfect a tool that could identify and track blighted structures and lots. This process was proceeded by a series of informative webinars and discussions on blight mitigation, beginning […]
March 24, 2021
Blight Banner - Taking a Deeper Dive

Taking a Deeper Dive: Brownfield Resources for Vacant, Blighted, and Underutilized Properties

Learn about the financial and technical assistance resources from federal and state program administrators themselves.
March 10, 2021
Blight Banner - Taking a Deeper Dive

Taking a Deeper Dive: Condemnation and Eminent Domain

The “who, what, when, and how” of using these tools. Plus, case studies to show typical costs and timeframes.
January 30, 2021

Fighting Blight and Maintaining Community Identity

In partnership with several counties, local municipalities, and non-profits, Local Government Academy has launched a new initiative to document the presence of blight and build capacity to remove its presence from our local communities. My name is Kellie Lesniak, currently a senior at Washington & Jefferson College studying Political Science, […]
May 15, 2020

Building Local Champions

Local Government Academy is kicking off a regional Blight Mitigation Initiative to support the recovery from de-industrialization and overcome rural isolation that so often contributes to vacant and abandoned properties. This initiative will strengthen coordination across municipal and county lines, build relationships between county and local governments, and establish professional […]