Planning in Rural Pennsylvania in 2020: Analysis of the Use & Effectiveness of Land Use Tools

1.25 CM credits (pending approval)

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania recently published a Research Report titled Planning in Rural Pennsylvania: Analysis of the Use and Effectiveness of Municipal Land Use Tools. Based on two statewide surveys and a selection of key person interviews, the study analyzed the use of planning tools across rural and urban counties and municipalities in Pennsylvania. The report serves as an update to a similar study that was done in 2000. In this webinar, one of authors of the study will present a summary of the overall findings, with a particular focus on the evolving planning role of counties in meeting the planning needs of rural communities.

Since 2000, counties across the Commonwealth have become more involved in comprehensive planning, providing GIS services, hazard mitigation planning, solid waste management, and emergency management planning, and stormwater management planning (among other activities). Study findings show that most rural municipalities lack planning capacity, and it many cases, rely on counties for planning support. Perceived barriers to effective planning will be presented, along with recommendations to address the barriers, with a particular focus on the implications and opportunities for county planning departments.

For more information contact Peter Wulfhorst (ptw3@psu.edu or 570-296-3400 ext. 1445)