In January 2006, the State Planning Board released its report on development, conservation, and land use.
According to the State Planning Board, the issues they are attempting to address include:
1) “right-sizing” the provision of services
2) consistency of planning and implementation
3) tax revenue and tax base sharing
4) barriers to boundary changes
LGA has done some initial research on the reaction the report received and presents it here. Please add additional feedback from various sources to this entry, as well as provide your comments.
-The Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors’ (PSATS) Pennsylvania Township News issued an article discussing the focus of the report on municipal governance, which has been raising some questions among township officials. The article suggested that the report “could eventually alter the way local governments provide services, plan for the future, and merge or consolidate with other municipalities.”
-The DEP gave an overview of the report, stating that, “The Planning Board’s recommendations will guide investment and support local growth and economic development across the commonwealth and work to support Governor Rendell’s vision that the state needs to offer vibrant, clean and beautiful communities if families and businesses are going to call Pennsylvania home.”
-The Central Penn Business Journal drew the conclusion that "it's time for Pennsylvania to start consolidating" from the State Planning Board's report. They cite the Board's identification of "barriers to boundary changes" as promoting municipal mergers for greater economies of scale. The Journal advocates incentives and tools to be provided by the state to promote consolidation.
