Each year, the commonwealth presents the annual Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence to recognize communities for their successes in undertaking innovative projects and other initiatives to improve the quality of life in their communities. Awardees are recognized during Local Government Week in April, in…
The Federal Railroad Administration has opened applications for the National Railroad Partnership Program (NRPP), a major federal rail infrastructure grant with more than $5 billion available nationwide. For the first time, the program places a strong emphasis on grade crossing safety, creating…
The state Department of Agriculture has announced the preservation of 2,354 acres on 27 farms in townships located in 13 counties through the state’s Farmland Preservation Program. This program protects farms from future residential, commercial, or industrial development. “Protecting farmland isn’t just…
The state Department of Labor and Industry released its preliminary employment report for September 2025. Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate was up one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.1% in September compared to August. The U.S. unemployment rate of 4.4% was also…
Unfunded mandates are unwelcome whether they come from Harrisburg or Washington. Yesterday, the White House issued an executive order to consolidate power to regulate AI and data centers only in Washington, D.C., displacing state roles. As a reminder the Commonwealth…
The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has launched the PA Community Tree Assistance Program, a new initiative in which DCNR will hire and pay qualified tree-care professionals directly to maintain a healthy tree canopy. Townships are eligible…
DEP is accepting applications for the Municipal Recycling Program Performance Grant (Section 904 Grants) for eligible materials recycled and marketed in calendar year 2024. Townships, authorities, councils of governments, or similar entities with recycling programs are eligible to apply through December…
Is your township doing great things that could serve as a model for other municipalities? Share best practices and practical experience by applying for one of PSATS’s award programs! Your winning project might just spark an idea for a new…
Townships that receive impact fee revenues will be interested to note that the commonwealth’s Independent Fiscal Office has released its impact fee estimates for the 2025 revenues, which will be distributed in mid-2026 and are up from the prior two…
If your township regularly communicates with residents in a print or digital format, consider applying for PSATS’s 2026 Citizen Communication Contest! Your communication materials could serve as an example for other townships! The Citizen Communication Contest recognizes townships’ efforts to…
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