This series of monthly land-use webinars will present in-depth information on land-use topics affecting the communities of Pennsylvania.
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 the 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 (among other activities). Study findings show that most rural municipalities lack planning capacity, and in 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.
Learning Objectives
- Better understand the ongoing planning challenges in Pennsylvania's rural communities
- Better understand the evolving planning role of Pennsylvania counties, especially in regard to supporting rural communities
- Consider approaches to improve the planning capacity of rural communities
- Consider approaches to overcome perceived barriers to effective planning in Pennsylvania