Municipal Outreach Program
The goal of DVRPC's Municipal Outreach program is to better equip municipalities to implement Connections, DVRPC's Long Range Plan for a sustainable future, through Smart Growth plans and policies. In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, planning and zoning authority is delegated exclusively to local governments; the region's county governments (with the exception of Philadelphia, which is both a city and a county) have no land use power, which makes implementation of regional goals challenging. Meeting the goals and objectives of Connections requires commitment and creativity at the local level, especially at a time when economic and fiscal conditions have constrained the abilities of local governments to engage in innovative projects. Local jurisdictions often lack the capacity and funding to update their comprehensive plans and local land use codes to make sure they advance regional objectives. To help with these challenges, DVRPC's Municipal Outreach program aims to offer local governments Tools, Technical Assistance, and Opportunities to Connect.
The Municipal Outreach Program achieves these goals in several ways, such as:
- Preparation of brochures on various planning and smart growth topics to advance the objectives of the Long Range Plan
- Sponsorship of municipal training programs or workshops, including cohosting the APA audioconference series.
- Presentation and promotion of Smart Growth studies and products to local, regional, and national audiences through workshops, seminars, conferences, etc.
We invite you to explore our offerings through the links below.
Tools
DVRPC prepares a variety of educational materials and trainings on topics related to Smart Growth, Transit Oriented Development, and Sustainable Zoning.
- Municipal Implementation Tool brochures
- Implementing Connections: The Benefits for Greater Philadelphia
- Implementing Connections: Guide for Municipalities
- Municipal Resource Guide
Technical Assistance
While it is important to plan regionally, many of the actions needed to create a more sustainable region must be implemented locally. This section highlights some of the programs and services DVRPC offers to help municipalities create more livable communities.
DVRPC Resources:
- Municipal Open Space Planning
- Natural Resource Protection Tools
- Historic Preservation
- Classic Towns
- Links to Local Governments in the 9-County DVRPC region
Opportunities to Connect
One of DVRPC's greatest strengths is our ability to bring together diverse, non-traditional partners to engage in planning efforts that integrate housing, economic and workforce development, transportation and infrastructure investment while considering economic competitiveness, social equity, energy and climate change, public health, and the environment. Below you will find information about events, committees, and other opportunities to interact.
Alternative Energy Ordinance Working Group (AEOWG)
Links to Municipal Organizations:
- Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS)
- Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs (PSAB)
- New Jersey League of Municipalities (NJLM)
- Pennsylvania Association of Zoning Officials (PAAZO)
- American Planning Association – Pennsylvania Chapter
- American Planning Association – New Jersey Chapter
- National Association of Regional Councils (NARC)
- National Association of Counties (NACo)
Questions?
Contact Christina Arlt, Municipal Outreach Coordinator
carlt@dvrpc.org
215-238-2890