Former Team PA President & CEO Rich Hudic speaks at a meeting concerning municipal consolidation.

Read about current coalition efforts here.

In addition to developing case studies of specific municipalities that have attempted to facilitate change or share services, the Foundation sponsored roundtable discussions across the commonwealth to start a dialogue and build support for substantive municipal reform from both the grassroots and state policy levels.

Municipal consolidation would save taxpayers and businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs annually and potentially lure new businesses to the state as the tax burden is lessened on industry.

Municipal & Local Government Efficiency

Team Pennsylvania Foundation believes efficiency at all levels of government is good business for the economic vitality of the commonwealth. The Foundation joined with and funded several like-minded partners to begin significant work on the issue of municipal efficiency and fiscal health.

Outcomes of this grant include the creation of case studies of specific municipalities that have attempted to change their boundaries or share services and a statewide leadership summit to more effectively encourage efficiency measures and financial health in municipal governance.

The Foundation sees this grant as the beginning of a long-term strategy working toward a future where Pennsylvania is known for collaborative, efficient, and fiscally thriving local governments. Team PA Foundation has awarded a second round of funding to support a three phase strategic plan derived from our joint Municipal Governance Summit.

The three phases identified at the summit are:

1. Research – In-depth analysis of communities that have attempted municipal consolidation or sharing services (successfully or otherwise). This analysis would create a road map for other communities to utilize as they attempt similar ventures.
2. Identification and Development – Communities ripe for consolidation or sharing of services. This would occur through the development of community leadership groups and providing support to local elected officials.
3. Communications and Outreach – Targeted and specific outreach to communicate both the fiscal challenges of our current local governance system and the great opportunities for saving millions of taxpayer dollars in many communities through strategic action.

Read our the local government case study document, our merger and consolidation study, or to discuss more about this initiative and our ongoing work by contacting us.