State Planning Board Unveils Report and Recommendations on Governance, Infrastructure, and Economic Development
On December 1, the State Planning Board, a statutory advisory board in the Governor’s Office, released its Report and Recommendations on legislative and executive actions that will help the Commonwealth address vital goals of reinvesting in cities and towns, fostering growth and competitiveness of both urban and rural economies, and improving the quality of life in all of Pennsylvania’s diverse communities.
Judith Schwank, chair of the Berks County Commissioners and chair of the State Planning Board, and Alex Graziani, executive director of the Smart Growth Partnership of Westmoreland County and vice chair of the board unveiled the recommendations that were first presented to Governor Rendell and legislative leaders in May, and will serve as the basis for an outreach initiative to the regions, organizations, and citizens of Pennsylvania to discuss and get public input on the reform measures recommended.
The Board makes specific recommendations for legislation to provide options to counties and local governments for right sizing services such as police and fire; making comprehensive plans effective guides for consistent implementation; removing legal barriers to consolidations and mergers where these make fiscal and political sense; and providing clear authority for tax base and revenue sharing among counties and local municipalities that would benefit from these tools.
