Planning Education
Community planning and municipal government involve a wide range of complex topics. There are a variety of resources available to help planning commission members and community leaders learn more about planning.
Learning Opportunities with the Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Education Institute
The Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Education Institute (PMPEI) offers a series of online winter and spring classes for $25 each. The classes cover topics such as building a strong planning commission, the limits to zoning, and managing the subdivision review process. Learn More
Additionally, in-person courses are regularly offered at the West Chester University Graduate Center. Visit Chester County 2020's website to learn more.
Planning Guides from the State
State enabling legislation has been passed that governs planning in Pennsylvania. It guides how local planning commissions operate, as well as the plans and ordinances that are developed to implement the plan. Learn More
The PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has a variety of educational materials for local officials. Their 10 volume Planning Series is particularly useful, and they also publish current copies of the state enabling legislation that governs planning, the Municipalities Planning Code. View Publications
Planning Conferences and Training from State Planning Association
The PA Chapter of the American Planning Association provides training for both volunteer and professional planners through its annual conference and other specialized events. Visit Website
The chapter has also created a video that provides planning commissioners with an overview of what planning commissions do and where they fit in their city, borough, township or county government. The basic tools of comprehensive planning, subdivision and land development regulation, and zoning are described. View Video
The southeast section of the Chapter also holds training events for planners. Visit Website
Local Training from Township Association
The Chester County Association of Township Officials (CCATO) holds two conferences a year plus special training events throughout the year. Many of these training opportunities focus on planning issues. Visit Website
State Resources
Several resources are available from the state.