Local Government

Would you like to know more about your local government in Pennsylvania? Understanding how it works is the first step to be more involved, either as an elected official or a citizen. Penn State Extension has a range of resources to help you learn about the local government structure, how it works, and ways for you to get more involved.

Local Government Basics

Pennsylvania local government is below the state level, and there are six types: county, township, borough, town, city, and school district. Anyone who wants to be more involved in local government matters first has to understand how it works.

As a citizen, you elect local government officials, but you can also get involved by serving on a board or commission or as a volunteer. Planning commissions, for example, play a role in the subdivision and land development regulation. How land is used and the creation of zoning districts also fall under the planning commission’s responsibility.

Local participation is, in fact, essential if local government is to meet the challenges facing local communities. This is especially important in communities that comprise several cultures.

Engagement holds enormous potential for solving or resolving many complex community challenges, but community leaders often struggle with public engagement.

Getting Involved in Local Government

Communities can help local governments in many ways. For example, you can run for office, but you can also be more involved by being on a Citizen Planning Commission.

There are currently 10,000-12,000 citizens who serve on over 1,800 planning commissions throughout Pennsylvania. One of the most commonly exercised duties of a planning commission is the development of a comprehensive plan. Such a plan manages the long-term physical development of a community, land use, and its social and economic quality of life.

But planning commissions are not the only way for you to be more involved. Farmers can attend monthly township or borough meetings, so their voice is heard regarding local government policies that affect their livelihood.

You could become a member of a citizen advocacy group working to put “green issues” on the agendas of local governments. Local task forces help to guide community discussions, information gathering, and decision making.