In recent weeks, municipalities have had to reexamine budgets, personnel policies, and figure out how to hold remote meetings. All these actions require a solid understanding of administration, finance, and personnel management, but technology complications have made it challenging for some. So, what to do?

Local Government Academy will be hosting free technical assistance training for officials and municipal staff who are interested in elevating their understanding of municipal obligations and practices. Presentations will address normal and emergency situations, as well as feature an “ask-the-expert” format. Look for more information later this month.

Your municipal associations are a wealth of resources!

Statewide organizations, such as the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, Pennsylvania Municipal League, Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, and local groups such as Allegheny League of Municipalities and Beaver County Regional Council of Governments, can offer important updates and guidance as legislation changes and markets shift.

Community partners offering technical assistance and support!

Our partners, Sustainable Pittsburgh and CONNECT, have teamed together to help municipalities overcome challenges associated with hosting remote meetings. Their assistance will be essential to ensure transparency in operations and protect the right of the public to have input in community decisions. Check out their websites for more info!

Have questions about the legal aspects of remote meetings?

Check with your solicitor! And for additional insight and best practices, we are pleased to share guidance developed by Maiello, Brungo & Maiello for local governments and school districts. Visit their resource page by clicking here.

And don’t forget your local, county, and state governments!

Local governments know they must keep their citizens informed and safe. Right now, you will see every tool in the proverbial toolbox being used. From websites to social media platforms, cities, boroughs, townships and counties across Pennsylvania have important and useful information that will make your life easier. Do the search and find out what your local leaders want you to know.

If you are interested in what’s happening in Allegheny County, check out the Allegheny County Health Department Covid-19 Page and get notifications about important community news by signing up for Allegheny County Alerts. For a statewide perspective, you can visit PA Department of Health.

What about CARES?

If you have questions about the CARES Act, you may find a recent webcast hosted by International City/County Management Association helpful. The “Understanding Local Government Resources Available in the CARES Act & Other Recent Federal Legislation” webcast can be found by clicking here.