The Latest News from PA Chapter of APA…
When a Region Commits to Safety
In the Delaware Valley (Philadelphia and its suburban counties), someone dies or is seriously injured in a traffic crash every 3.7 hours. This is too often, we (DVRPC and partner agencies) are committed to getting to zero traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2050 if not sooner. This presentation will focus on DVRPC’s Regional Vision Zero (RVZ) Safety Action Plan process and outputs. Delving into the foundational block of a Regional High Injury Network (RHIN) as a data-driven process. We will also highlight stakeholder conversations and feedback.
Deadline to register is May 5.
APA PA Annual Conference
- Save the Date for the APA PA Chapter Annual Conference: Forging the Next 250 Through Preservation, Innovation, and Collaboration, which will take place from October 18 -20, 2026 at the Wind Creek Bethlehem.
- Sponsors, Exhibitors & Advertisers: Secure your support for the Annual Conference. The conference presents an exceptional opportunity for organizations like yours to showcase your expertise and capabilities to planning professionals and policymakers from across the Commonwealth. For more information.
Lehigh Valley/Berks Event: Planning for Data Centers…
April 27 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
This webinar will provide planners with a practical, planning‑focused overview of data center development, with emphasis on local land use implications, infrastructure demands, and regional coordination strategies. As interest in data center siting continues to grow across Pennsylvania, planners are increasingly tasked with evaluating proposals that have significant impacts on zoning, utilities, transportation, energy systems, and community character. For more information.
APA PA Meet and Greet at the National Planning Conference
April 27 from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Are you attending the National Planning Conference? Join PA Chapter for a meet and greet at Social Brews (211 West Fort Street).
This informal gathering is a chance for Pennsylvania planners-whether you live here, work here, or just love planning in the Commonwealth-to connect, reconnect, and build new relationships. Come network with colleagues from across the state, share what you’re working on, and strengthen the professional community that makes APA PA so impactful. For more information.
APA PA Board Appoints Pam Shellenberger to Chesapeake Bay Local Government Leadership Workshop
At the March 20, 2026 APA PA Board of Directors meeting, the Board appointed Pam Shellenberger to serve as the Chapter’s representative on the Chesapeake Bay Local Government Leadership Workgroup. Pam retired from 41+ years of employment with the York County Planning Commission (YCPC) at the end of 2025. During her tenure, she served in a variety of positions. Most notable was serving as Chief of the Long Range Planning Division and Administrator for the York County Stormwater Consortium (YCSWC). As Chief Planner, Pam managed a staff of five (5) planners to develop and implement the County’s Comprehensive Plan and worked closely with the County’s 72 municipalities. In January of 2026, Pam was rehired by the YCPC to continue serving as the YCSWC Administrator to implement the Regional Chesapeake Bay Pollutant Reduction Plan. Her prior experience includes positions with local governments and non-profit agencies in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. She earned AICP status in 2001.
Pam has served on the Manor Township (Lancaster County) Planning Commission since 2008 and is currently the Chair. She also continues her involvement with a variety of committees. After being an active Planner for almost 50 years, it’s hard to fully retire from a profession that has been rewarding and enjoyable.
Regarding APA PA, Pam has chaired the “Great Places in Pennsylvania” Program since its inception in 2014. She also serves on the Legislative Committee and Central Section Council, including 20+ years as the prior Secretary-Treasurer. In the past, Pam served two terms as Chapter Treasurer and on several Conference Planning Committees.
Overview of Chesapeake Bay Agreement and Local Government Leadership Workgroup
The revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, which includes new goals, outcomes, and targets, was signed by the six Bay States, District of Columbia, and EPA in December of 2025. It is a commitment to “achieving the restoration, conservation and protection of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, its water, habitats, fisheries and wildlife for the benefit of all people living in and visiting this nationally treasured watershed.” In 2040, the partnership will come together to formally assess progress and amend the Agreement, as needed, to ensure work continues to reflect the shared Vision.
The revised Agreement established four Goal Implementation Teams (GITs): Clean Water, Engaged Communities, Healthy Landscapes, and Thriving Habitat, Fisheries, and Wildlife. The Local Government Leadership Workgroup (LGLW) is an advisory committee to the Engaged Communities GIT. The Workgroup’s charge is to “increase knowledge and support the capacity of local government leaders in decision-making, such as land-use planning, to implement local actions that advance the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.” Targeted actions are to (1) Engage directly (e.g., roundtable discussions, trainings, webinars) with at least 400 local government leaders annually and (2) Engage indirectly (e.g., newsletters, case studies, social media) with at least 4,000 local government leaders annually.
A notable tool developed by the Chesapeake Bay Program in coordination with the LGLW is Protect Local Waterways. It is a guide on how local government leaders and other stakeholders can help protect the health and vitality of local waterways. It is also an excellent resource for planners who are working with local governments on land use, environmental, and community planning initiatives.
Data Center Resources
Data Centers are a hot topic in Pennsylvania these days. Several county planning commissions are providing resources to help municipalities:
The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission recently released their Lehigh County Industrial Land Use Guide, which introduces emerging and evolving industrial land uses, like Digital Infrastructure and Tech Facilities; Advanced Manufacturing; Freight, Logistics, and Supply Chain Infrastructure; Energy Generation, Storage and Management; and Resource Extraction and Mineral Supply. The guide also offers suggestions for how municipalities can manage industrial land use impact.
Chester County Planning Commission has created a page about Data Centers on their website. It includes an overview of data centers’ locational needs, as well as Guidance Documents, Model Ordinances, and Data Center Mapping resources.
In November 2025, Lancaster County Planning Commission issued A Planning Guide Pertaining to Data Centers in Lancaster County, PA that looked at the impacts of data center proposals from the needs related to a data center, addresses frequently asked questions, and provides suggested best practices for data center ordinance development.
York County Planning Commission has a devoted webpage to data center information. It includes a white paper for Data Center Development in York County. and a data center model ordinance.
Cumberland County Planning Commission is hosting a Data Center Information Session (both virtual and in person) on April 29, 2026 starting at 6:30 pm. Topics include data center growth & key locations, impacts on electric rates, water usage, noise, and open space; impacts on jobs, tax revenue, and digital infrastructure; and best practices for development & community engagement. Register by April 23. They also issued a white paper on Data Centers in early 2025.
Tri-County Regional Planning Commission has developed a Data Center Fact Sheet as part of their Toolkit.
This is not an exhaustive list of available information but provides a starting point for researching this hot topic.
Opportunities for Giving
Each year the Chapter offers a scholarship to support individuals seeking funds for academic degree programs, internships, and professional development activities. If anyone would like to contribute to the Chapters Scholarship fund donations can be made online. We accept all major credit cards, and you can also send a check. Please make your check payable to “PA Chapter of APA Scholarship Fund” and mail it to P.O. Box 4680, Harrisburg, PA 17111.
Communication and Membership Committee
We are looking for volunteers to contribute articles for our monthly E-News. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact us.
Pennsylvania Housing Action Plan
By Betsy Logan, AICP
Pennsylvania’s first-ever Housing Action Plan was recently issued. This plan establishes a data-driven roadmap to increase housing supply, lower costs, and stabilize housing outcomes for PA residents (DCED Website). The five goals of the housing action plan are to:
- Build and preserve housing stock
- Expand housing opportunities
- Provide pathways to housing stabilization and sustainability
- Modernize housing development regulations
- Achieve operational excellence across state and local government.
These five goals create a unified statewide vision using 28 actionable initiatives.