New Studies Look at Role of State's Local Governments:

Three reports released last month by the Campaign to Renew Pennsylvania and the Brookings Institution, the PA Economy League, and the Penn State Cooperative Extension Service address the long-term future of Pennsylvania's communities, and each predicts further economic decline unless local governments are strengthened and state laws changed.

While PSATS welcomes the opportunity for discussions about improving state statutes and policies that enable effective local government, any changes must first and foremost consider the needs of residents. PSATS' Executive Board is developing a strategy to make sure townships' needs are considered and their rights protected as this governance debate moves forward.

Click the links below to view each of these reports:

Committing to Prosperity by The Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program for
the Campaign to Renew Pennsylvania
- Full Report
- Executive Summary

Structuring Healthy Communities, Part 1: Revenue Generation and Fiscal Health by The
Pennsylvania Economy League, Inc.
- Full Report
- Executive Summary

Strengthening Rural Pennsylvania, A Rural Policy Agenda for the Commonwealth by the
Penn State University

(PDF Format - Free Adobe Reader required)