Does your community engage in planning and other activities to meet the needs of residents across all age groups? Has practice improved in the last decade?

ICMA and Cornell are reprising a national study on the extent to which local governments engage in planning and other activities to meet the needs of residents across all age groups – especially seniors and families with children. Results will provide insights into how local governments can promote more livable communities for all residents.

Every city and county in the US received the paper copy of the survey in mid May.  It is divided into 3 sections: planning and participation, services, and values and attitudes. We estimate the survey will take 20 minutes to complete.

We encourage all cities and counties to fill out and return the survey as this will provide us with a  view across the nation.  If you would like to fill out the survey for your community, please use the link https://icma.org/planforallages

There will be a report on results of the survey at the 2020 National Planning Conference in Houston.

Chester County Unveils Return on Environment Report

The Chester County Commissioners announced results of a study, Return on Environment: The Economic Value of Protected Open Space in Chester County, during an Open Space Summit in May. The study—and its accompanying video—highlight the valuable economic, environmental, and public health benefits that open space preservation has provided to Chester County for the past three decades.

The report was prepared by Chester County departments, land conservancies, municipal representatives, economic development agencies, and Econsult Solutions, Inc., an economic consulting firm that provides econometric and analytic expertise to businesses and policymakers nationwide.

• View the study
• Watch the video
• Request a presentation

DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED! 
Submit your nomination by Friday, May 17, 2019, to be considered for designation in 2019!

The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association  is looking for Great Places in two categories: Great Public Spaces and Great Transformations. Great Places are unique, memorable places that work not only for their community, but as a model others want to emulate – places of exemplary character, quality, planning, identity, cultural interest, and community involvement with a sustainable vision for tomorrow.

We want to hear your suggestions for a Great Public Space or Great Transformation designation. Please complete the online submission form by Friday, May 17, 2019. Nominations will be considered by the Great Places in Pennsylvania Judges Committee with notification to applicants in early Summer.

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The purpose of the Creative Communities Initiative is to provide multi-year funding to community-driven, arts-based projects that serve as catalysts for livability, economic development, and community connectedness. Also called creative placemaking, the funded projects will have a demonstrated, positive impact on their respective communities.

Two-to-four pilot communities will be selected in 2019 to each receive up to $25,000 per year for up to four years. Eligible applicants include local governments and 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) organizations.

The community selection process will begin with the submission of letters of interest, followed by review and site visits to a limited number of communities. Selected communities will be invited to submit a full application.

Interested communities can access submission instructions, program selection criteria, and application guidelines at arts.pa.gov. Letters of interest may be submitted May 31 to June 28, 2019. Inquiries should be directed to Sarah Merritt at skmerritt@pa.gov or 717-787-1521.

The PCA’s mission is to strengthen the cultural, educational, and economic vitality of Pennsylvania’s communities through the arts.