Pennsylvania Allocates $904K for Community Projects in 14 Counties

Strengthening Pennsylvania Communities: Shapiro Administration Allocates Grants for Local Projects

Funding through the Municipal Assistance Program will enhance 18 projects in 14 Pennsylvania counties.

Governor Josh Shapiro, since assuming office in 2023, has prioritized strategic investments to bolster Pennsylvania's communities. His administration's 2025-26 state budget has secured $2 million for the Municipal Assistance Program, continuing efforts to enable local governments to collaborate and enhance their communities.

Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), led by Secretary Rick Siger, has announced a significant investment of $904,489.92 in grants to support 18 planning and emergency service improvement projects across 14 counties. This funding is provided through the Municipal Assistance Program. Key initiatives include a comprehensive plan to manage Cumberland County's population growth, an affordable housing assessment in Erie County, and the establishment of a regional police service in Lebanon County.

Administered by DCED, the Municipal Assistance Program facilitates a variety of planning and implementation initiatives by local governments. These include shared-service activities like regionalization, service consolidation, merging of services, shared personnel, and high-impact projects benefiting multiple municipalities.

"Governor Shapiro understands that Pennsylvania’s neighborhoods and municipalities form the building blocks of our Commonwealth, which is why we are laser focused on making investments that strengthen our communities, improve quality of life for Pennsylvanians, and create thriving economies," stated Secretary Siger. "The Municipal Assistance Program is an important tool that helps local governments collaborate to identify and implement solutions that address the needs of their residents. The funding that this program provides to municipalities will help them be successful for years to come."

The $904,489.92 funding will be distributed among 18 projects in 14 counties. A detailed list of approved projects is available online.

Highlighted projects receiving funding include:

• Allegheny County – The Tri-COG Land Bank has been awarded $50,000 to support the Pennsylvania Land Bank Network (PALBN) in offering vital tools and resources to landbanks throughout the state, aiming to prevent blight and revitalize communities.
• Erie County – Erie County will receive $71,111.50 to update its comprehensive housing plan, addressing a gap in strategic housing planning to promote affordable housing, rehabilitate aging properties, and improve homeownership opportunities.
• Lebanon County – Lebanon County's new regional police department will benefit from $33,728.42 for startup costs, including rebranding items and new equipment, to serve North Cornwall, North Lebanon, and West Lebanon townships.
• Lehigh County – Whitehall Township has been allocated $74,700 to revise its comprehensive plan, guiding future growth and development, and ensuring consistent land use and business development.
• Luzerne County – $90,000 has been granted to the Lower South Valley Council of Governments for continued regional collaboration efforts involving various local entities.

Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 state budget includes $2 million for the Municipal Assistance Program, alongside $20 million for the Main Street Matters program, which aims to enhance commercial corridors and support revitalization efforts in towns and cities across the state.

In his initial year, Governor Shapiro increased the Municipal Assistance Program's funding by $1.5 million, a 266% rise, to aid local governments in planning and implementing various services and improvements. The 2024-25 state budget also secured $2 million for the program.