Bethel Park named Banner Community for second consecutive year
For the second consecutive year, the Municipality of Bethel Park has been named a “Banner Community” by the Allegheny League of Municipalities. The recognition was provided because of Bethel Park’s efforts to provide effective, efficient and accountable services to its residents and businesses. The designation also acknowledges the municipality’s efforts to inform and engage citizens through frequent and open communication, public and community events and mentoring.
“We feel great about this award,” said Bethel Park Mayor Jack Allen, who accepted the award on behalf of the municipality April 7 from Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald at the Allegheny County Courthouse in Pittsburgh. “This award is not only for us elected officials and municipal staff, but also for the entire Bethel Park community, because we have such great involvement from everyone here.”
Bethel Park was one of 42 communities selected out of the 130 municipalities in Allegheny County for the honor.
“We were also recognized at the Allegheny League of Municipalities Conference at Seven Springs Mountain Resort,” Allen said. “As one of the largest communities in the county, I feel that we can set an example for other communities as to what can be accomplished by bringing the community together and offering outstanding services.”
To be recognized as a Banner Community, a municipality must demonstrate its commitment to the following best practices each year:
• Training and education for its elected and/or appointed officials
• Active participation in professional organizations, such as the Allegheny League of Municipalities, Allegheny County Boroughs Association, Allegheny County & Western Pennsylvania Association of Township Commissioners and Allegheny County Association of Township Officials
• Active participation in its Council of Governments, as well as intergovernmental cooperation, sharing of services, and other joint efforts with one or more municipalities
• Sponsorship and/or promotion of community events and activities, such as a community day, parade, cleanup day, municipal open house, crime awareness effort and benefits or fundraisers
• Routine communication with residents through a newsletter, website, email or other method, as well as active participation with local elementary, middle and high school students, such as speaking to classes, sponsoring special events and offering internships and/or student shadow days
• Promotion and implementation of long-term sustainable governing practices by earning certification through Sustainable Pittsburgh, managing employee pensions at funding levels of 90 percent or above, participating in the annual ALOM Wage and Salary Survey Program, and implementing goals of an up-to-date Municipal Comprehensive Plan
“Our region continues to be recognized for its many successes and we are seeing growth and a vibrancy that many other communities wish they could duplicate,” Fitzgerald said. “That success is due to the efforts of our many communities which each do their part to ensure that its residents are provided with the services they depend upon. Bethel Park and its officials accomplish that by working together to provide community activities, educational programs, civic performance and fiscal accountability.”
Some of the best practices that Bethel Park implements include its annual Community Day; the quarterly “Bethel Park Chronicles” mailed to all Bethel Park residents and businesses; and a commitment to work with neighboring communities on a variety of community-wide projects.
“The Allegheny League of Municipalities is proud of the work and commitment our local governments display,” said Richard Hadley, executive director of ALOM. “Our Banner Communities are leading by example. The many diverse communities that have been recognized this year are dedicated to their residents and we are thankful for their service.”