Understanding PA local government

HAWLEY — If youre confused about local government in Pennsylvania, you’re not alone. Pennsylvania has more local government than any other state. Whether you are a native or newcomer, PA local government seems to be a giant maze of boroughs, townships, cities, towns, counties, school districts and special authorities - 5,357 units of local government in all. Citizens, through their local leaders, have a great deal of control over and responsibility for the local decisions that affect them. Local zoning laws, building regulations, water and sewer, transportation, human services, public health and safety, and education are just a few examples of local government impacting our community. Because local government plays such an important role in each of our lives, Cooperative Extension is offering an Understanding PA Local Government workshop on Monday, May 17, from 7 to 9 p.m., at PPL Environmental Learning Center, 126 PPL Drive, in Hawley. The workshop is designed to help citizens develop an understanding and appreciation for the people and responsibilities that we collectively call local government. Topics to be covered are: an overview of local government in Pennsylvania; the Municipalities Planning Code, which provides the authority for local governments in PA; and local government structure, including boards of supervisors, borough councils, planning commissions,