In Pennsylvania, our elected officials have the power to make decisions every day that affect our health. Local governments wield immense control over our lives via the authority to regulate land use even as they are obligated to protect our health under the state constitution.

With land use decisions ceded to municipal governments, it is our elected officials who decide where you live, play, and work. With each policy decision or administrative action, your borough, township, or city official can exert control over almost all aspects of our lives.

Simple things such as garbage removal and clearing the streets of snow, may not seem important, until it doesn’t happen. Concerned about water quality? Well, it’s our local governments that must ensure that wastewater is treated properly while also providing safe drinking water.

Unfortunately, with our industrial legacy, historical development patterns, and population loss, our region has an overwhelming presence of blighted and abandoned properties that can overwhelm even the most rigorous code enforcement process.

So, what can you do? Besides being educated about your vote and the role of local government, commit to ongoing education to promote good government practices, and ask your elected officials to do the same.

Established in 1983, Local Government Academy has a well-earned reputation as a training provider of choice for non-partisan education on matters relevant to Pennsylvania municipal officials and employees. Looking forward to 2023, we are launching new initiatives with regional partners across Southwestern Pennsylvania to share best practices in blight mitigation and modernize municipal fiscal practices and protocols. If you think your community would benefit, contact us at [email protected] to learn more.

We understand the challenges facing local governments in our region and believe ongoing education for public officials is imperative to improving the quality of life within our communities. Stay tuned for exciting program announcements and events as we celebrate 40 years of Promoting Excellence in Local Government.

– Joy