Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park named banner communities
Upper St. Clair and Bethel Park have been named banner communities for 2022 by the Allegheny League of Municipalities (ALOM) and county executive Rich Fitzgerald. They will be recognized April 7-10 at the ALOM Educational Conference.
This marks the 10th year of the Banner Community Program program, which recognizes municipalities that show a commitment to professional development, prudent fiscal management, transparency, accountability, and proactive communications to engage community stakeholders. USC and BP are two of 80 organizations recognized this year.
“We are proud to have been named a Banner Community for the tenth consecutive year. This honor demonstrates the township staff’s continuing hard work and dedication providing efficient and effective government service,” said USC Township Manager Matthew R. Serakowski.
“Once again being named a Banner Community acknowledges the outstanding work conducted throughout the year by our employees, council and mayor for our residents and business owners,” said Bethel Park Municipal Manager Laurence Christian. “Being recognized is a distinction that we truly appreciate!”
To be eligible for consideration for the program, a municipality’s elected and appointed officials must:
- Participate in educational or training programs through ALOM, the Local Government Academy or the PA Department of Community and Economic Development or participate in a governing mentoring program;
- Be active members in good standing with ALOM and the county municipal associations, and have a representative attending at least a minimum of 50% of county association meetings;
- Be active members in good standing in a COG and attend COG meetings, participate in a COG cooperative purchasing program and participate in at least one shared municipal service;
- Conduct a Local Government Week activity by conducting a local activity promoting local government or communicating with the community about delivery of services;
- Conduct an effective Citizen Communication Program by offering a municipal newsletter or web-based communication effort, and participate in a class discussion on local government or conducting a shadowing program for junior or senior high school students;
- Promote and implement long-term sustainable governing practices by earning certification through Sustainable Pittsburgh, managing employee pensions at funding levels of 90% or above, participating in the annual ALOM Wage and Salary Survey Program, and implementing goals of an up to date Municipal Comprehensive Plan.
The ALOM is a nonprofit organization that was created in the early 1960s to coordinate the needs of the area’s local elected officials. The organization educates elected officials, delivers essential resources and advocates for sound policy and legislation.
Visit www.bethelpark.net to learn more Bethel Park and its many programs and services,
Visit www.twpusc.org to learn more about Upper St. Clair and what the community has to offer.