Local governments that have partnered with their communities and have used forward-thinking approaches to revitalize towns, create jobs and improve the quality of life for residents were honored this week by the Rendell Administration for their excellence.

 

“This administration is working hard to create opportunities for revitalization, economic development and jobs,” Department of Community and Economic Development acting Secretary George Cornelius said today during the 13th annual Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence ceremony at the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. “However, it takes the hard work of people at the local level, like those we’re recognizing today, to turn opportunities into realities.

 

“The local government entities and officials being honored today provide leadership and know-how that ensure the partnerships between state and local government work to their fullest potential.”

 

Awards were presented today to nine individual leaders and 11 government entities that have exemplified the work by Pennsylvania’s cities, towns and boroughs. Awards covered eight categories, including building community partnerships, promoting community and economic revitalization, innovative community and governmental initiatives, innovative planning and sound land use practices, intergovernmental cooperation, fiscal accountability, and information technology. Individual awards were presented to local government officials who have worked to make their communities better places.

 

The Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence is presented annually to communities and individuals by the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services, an office within the Department of Community and Economic Development that serves the needs of the state’s 2,562 local governments.

 

A panel of judges from the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services reviewed applications submitted by municipal organizations from throughout the commonwealth and selected the award winners.

 

In his remarks, Cornelius reminded local leaders that teaming up to provide services can stretch valuable taxpayer dollars.

 

“Today’s awards represent progress, but today it is more important than ever to be resourceful and to make the most out of every dollar,” Acting Secretary Cornelius said. “Government must be proactive and more efficient in the way it does business. Inter-municipal approaches are a smart, cost-effective solution that can provide a more effective and cost-saving delivery of services at the local level.

 

“We encourage local governments to take advantage of DCED’s resources to continue building upon your community’s success.”

 

Among the winners were--

 

-- Building Community Partnerships: City of Altoona, Blair County, Doylestown Township, New Britain Borough, Chalfont Borough and Doylestown Borough;

 

-- Promoting Community and Economic Revitalization: Elizabethtown Borough, Lancaster County, City of Lock Haven, Clinton County;

 

-- Innovative Community and Governmental Initiatives: Centre Area Transportation Authority, Lycoming County;

 

-- Innovative Planning and Sound Land Use Practices: Mount Joy Borough, Lancaster County;

 

-- Intergovernmental Cooperation: Clinton County Sewer Authority and Clinton County, Somerset County; and

 

-- Dallas A. Dollase Award for Excellence in Planning: former Rep. David J. Steil, 31st Legislative District