League Message – Local Government Meeting and Permit Processing Issues

Message from League Executive Director Rick Schuettler

We know that many of you are concerned about your ability to hold remote public meetings of your governing bodies and related entities, as well as how to handle permit processing deadlines and related matters.  We further understand your concerns over Governor Wolf’s declaration related to business closings that we shared yesterday.

I want you to know we have been diligently working on these matters in an attempt to provide answers and/or clarification.  We are involved in the crafting of legislation that we anticipate will be introduced next week that will address meeting and permitting issues.

Additionally, we have been in regular contact with the Department of Community and Economic Development, as well as the Governor’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.  Via our membership in the National League of Cities, we have offered examples of executive orders/action taken in other states that included local government.  We remain hopeful for either legislative and/or executive action as soon as possible.  I assure you we will stay vigilant.  Be safe.