The League’s new podcast, Engaged With The League features Executive Director John Brenner discussing ethics and mentorship with Crandall Jones, APMM President and Upper Darby CAO.
A Call for Civility from Deputy Executive Director Abe Amoros
As you all know, Friday is the 25th Anniversary of the tragic events that unfolded on September 11th when nearly 2,977 persons perished during the horrific attacks in New York City at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon in Arlington, VA, and in the rolling hills of Shanksville, PA.
Calling it an “anniversary” is not only difficult since it’s not a cause for celebration, but all Americans should take this time to reflect on the solemnity of that day which will be seared into our minds forever. Those who perished, along with their loved ones, will always remain close to our hearts.
Let us take this opportunity to call upon our better angels in order to resist any further acts of violence in our current, and in some instances, divisive times. September 10th marks one year from the time of Charlie Kirk’s assassination while Saturday brings the start of the Jewish High Holy Days beginning with Rosh Hashanna in the evening. Let’s make it our mission as local leaders to embrace peacebuilding in our communities and to work harder to build bridges, bring people together and de-escalate any tensions that may exist.
As you know, between federal, state and local government, our level is trusted the most as we engage in closer proximity to our family, friends and neighbors and coworkers. We have a greater say in how we speak to each other and how we treat those who are different. Ugly rhetoric only victimizes individuals when we seek scapegoats, engage in generalizations and dehumanizing words and deeds.
The League solemnly remembers those we lost that day and urges everyone to do their part in creating sincere, long-lasting and genuine relationships with our fellow residents to make our communities stronger.
Never forget and give up hope for better days.
Let’s work on this together.
Advocacy
2026 Local Government Symposium – Registration Now Open!
The Local Government Commission will host its sixth annual Local Government Symposium on Thursday, September 24. This year’s symposium will be held entirely online via the Zoom platform. An outline of the day’s agenda can be viewed below and a more detailed schedule, including speakers, can be viewed here.
Schedule of Events:
- 9:30 – 9:45 Opening Remarks
- 9:45 – 10:45 Session #1 – Stormwater Management post-West Chester
- 11:00 – 12:00 Session #2 – Municipal Management
- 12:00 – 12:45 Break for Lunch (there will not be programming during this break)
- 12:45 – 1:45 Session #3 – Data Centers
- 2:00 – 3:00 Session #4 – Short-Term Rentals
If you are interested in listening in on one session or plan to attend for the whole day, please register here.
Membership
We have a great line up of sessions at this year’s Summit! Our closing speaker is Amy Zeigler. On October 9, Amy will present – Go Beyond the Chocolate Bar. Amy is the Senior Director of Education, Programs, and Operations for the Hershey Story Museum, Hershey Gardens, and Hershey Community Archives. She will share the fascinating story of Hershey and the community behind one of PA’s best-known destinations. Click here for the full agenda!
Please click here for a message from League President, J. William Reynolds regarding appointments to the Pennsylvania Municipal League’s Governance & Nominating Committee to review nominations to fill the position of The League’s Second Vice President. This year’s deadline to submit a nomination is Monday, September 22, 2026.
Training
The League is partnering with Penn State University to bring our members a Local Government Certification program -The Foundations in Local Government Leadership Certification Program. This certification provides an unparalleled opportunity for League members to shape the future of local government operations and education, it provides the foundation needed to provide exceptional local governance. For more information and to register please click here.
The next installment of the 2026 Webinar Series with our Business Leaders Network is September 30, (11am-12pm) with Schneider Electric. Jim Hunt and Matt Wardecker will be presenting: From Planning to Progress: Implementing Capital Improvement and Sustainability Goals. This session will explore how municipalities can align Capital Improvement Plans (CIPs), sustainability initiatives, funding strategies, and project delivery methods to move projects from concept to completion and achieve their long-term goals. Registration for this webinar can be found here.
RA 201: Residential Electrical Academy (October 19-22, 2026) (In person) | PCCA – Registration is now open for this four-day program that gives a comprehensive review of Chapters 34-43 of the 2021 International Residential Code. It includes examples, exercises and question/answer segments designed to illustrate daily practices performed by a Residential Electrical Inspector or Plans Examiner.
Business Leaders Network Spotlight
Apothic Revenue Resources has built a solid reputation among state and local governments with their knowledge and experience in tax & license discovery, collections, municipal tax & license code review, and auditing. Using state-of-the-art technologies and methods, they have helped municipalities discover hidden revenue streams and expand their client’s tax base. A recent case study involving the audit of a Fortune 100 retailer for one state’s department of revenue underpins Apothic Revenue Resources’ commitment to accuracy, reliability and professionalism. Read more about how Apothic identifies and recovers millions of dollars in previously undiscovered revenue for its clients.
Upcoming Events
The League has many exciting events coming up for 2026, view all the new and exciting events that are coming your way!
See a few that are coming up soon:
Essentials of Municipal Administration– LLA Administrative track training course
Captial Budgeting and Planning– LLA Financial and Management track training course
Municipal Leadership Summit – October 7-10 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.
News and Resources
Shapiro Admin. to Support Resource Center for Those Affected by September 2-3 Severe Storms in Northcentral Pennsylvania – At the request of county officials, the Shapiro Administration will support a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) to assist individuals and families that sustained losses from damages caused by severe storms and heavy rain Sep. 2-3, 2026. The MARC is open to residents and business owners in Centre, Clinton, and Lycoming counties who were affected by the recent severe storms.
Insurance Trusts
What Young People Want City Leaders to Know About Youth Engagement – What does meaningful youth engagement look like? Members of NLC’s Youth Advisory Council share what they want city leaders to know—from creating clear pathways into civic life to giving young people a real voice in decisions and building spaces where they can connect, lead and belong. Learn more »
