By Kate McMahon, AICP

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) offers funding to municipalities for planning through its Municipal Assistance Program (MAP). MAP provides funding to municipalities to support community and economic development, including comprehensive community plans and implementation, land use ordinance development, and Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID) studies. MAP funding can also be used to develop shared services including regional fire and police services, shared personnel agreements, and boundary change studies.

Projects that successfully receive MAP funding emphasize partnerships, identifiable results, cost savings, level of service improvements, innovation, and long-term commitment. MAP funding requires a 50 percent match through funding or in-kind services.

Briar Creek Township and North Centre Township, both located in Columbia County, joined together to develop a multi-municipal comprehensive plan using the MAP program and received $15,000 toward the project. The plan includes details on how to leverage a rural way of life into community togetherness, recreation opportunities, conservation, and better government. Operating off a budget of $30,000, the comprehensive plan, developed by Hailstone Economic Group, has helped garner $25,000 in funding support from DCNR to contribute toward a masterplan for Briar Creek Lake Park. This is a specific example of turning a community dream into a reality by making a commitment to planning with neighbors.

The DCED Governor’s Center for Local Government Services administers the Municipal Assistance Program. To learn more, visit www.dced.pa.gov/MAP.