The Local Government Academy is pleased to announce the 2009 Multi-Municipal Planning Grant Program. To date more than $500,000 in grants have been awarded to 24 groups of municipalities. The purpose of this program is to support the creation and implementation of multi-municipal plans in conformance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC). Applicants are eligible for grants up to $8,500 per municipality. The program is being administered by the Local Government Academy (LGA) with funds from the Heinz Endowments. All grants are contingent on receipt of funds by LGA.

Grant Program Guidelines  or  Brochure - Grant Guidelines (.pdf) 

The program accepts applications at any time; however reviews take place twice annually.  The current deadline for the 2009 LGA grant program is May 1, 2009.   Municipalities who wish to apply in this round must:

• Meet with the program manager, Ray Reaves (telephone: 412-422-7877; email: rayreaves1@msn.com).
  
  
• Execute an Intergovernmental Cooperative Agreement generally consistent with the following  model (Word document):  Sample Agreement        
                                                                                          

• At least one member of each municipality's governing board plus the staff person who would serve as the lead contact for the program must attend a two evening workshop that is offered free by LGA twice a year. Others are also welcome to attend the workshops.  
  Attendance at the Multi-Municipal Planning Basics training is mandatory.  (Demonstrated attendance at a similar workshop or workshops such as those presented by 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania may be discussed with Ray Reaves).  
  
  2009 Trainings:
  
      Multi-Municipal Planning Basics - Spring
      Thursday, April 2, 2009
       6:00 - 9:00 PM
       Mt. Lebanon Municipal Building
       Register Here
  
      
      Multi-Municipal Planning Basics - Fall 
      September 15 & 17, 2009 (2-part) 
      Local Government Academy Office, Pittsburgh
      Register Here
          
  

• Not sure what multi-municipal planning entails? 
  LGA has prepared a brochure  outlining the steps (PDF document) Step by Step Guide 

• Still not sure about multi-municipal planning?
  Check out the Top 10 Myths about Multi-Municpal Planning 

Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF documents designated by Click here to register & download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader at no charge.

Questions? Contact: Ray Reaves, Program Manager, 412/422-7877, e-mail:  rayreaves1@gmail.com

LGA Thanks members of the Multi-municipal Planning Grant program review committee:

Court Gould, Sustainable Pittsburgh
Roy Kraynyk, Allegheny Land Trust
Stan Lembeck, Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Education Institute
David Miller, Ph.D., University of Pittburgh
Denny Puko, PA Governor's Center for Local Government Services/DCED
Marcia Taylor, Municipality of Mt. Lebanon