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| From Our President |
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A punishing storm ripped through my neighborhood this afternoon, leaving downed wires, broken branches and tree limbs in its wake. As soon as the rain and wind subsided, I stepped outside to survey the damage on our property. Amazingly enough, one of the first vehicles I saw on our rural road was the township tractor, presumably also out surveying the damage, but for the entire township. At moments like that you remember why local government is so important in our lives.
We at 10,000 Friends advocate for legislative and policy change that will help make government at all levels more effective and efficient. We understand that there is an important role for local, state and the federal government in making Pennsylvania a choice place to live and work. ...MORE
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Community Leaders Are Working Together
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We have noticed an exciting trend spreading throughout Pennsylvania. In communities from across the state, citizens and their leaders are working together to form regional organizations and coalitions to address the land use and local government issues important to their communities. 10,000 Friends has always been an alliance of organizations, and we consider this a new opportunity to strengthen that alliance through outreach to our regional partners. In this E-Update, we are featuring two initiatives that represent the growing awareness around Pennsylvania. In future updates, we will continue to highlight efforts throughout the state. If you know of an effort to showcase, please let us know. |
First Suburbs Project Creating A Common Voice
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 Community leaders and concerned citizens have recognized the need for infrastructure, housing, education and social service reform in communities of all sizes in southeast Pennsylvania, not just inner-city Philadelphia. The city's First Suburbs -- the boroughs and townships adjacent to the city-proper -- have struggled with these issues for years. Because these communities tend to be small and politically fragmented, their voice has not been heard. All of this began to change in 2006 with the quiet launch of the Southeastern Pennsylvania First Suburbs Project. Upper Darby Councilmember Bill Clinton explains, "The First Suburbs is a group of community leaders who want to revitalize and stabilize the inner-ring suburbs. We became aware of the limitations of small-box communities and the need to work together. The energy is coming from ordinary people in the community who care about these issues, not policy makers." Since its inception, the First Suburbs Project has steadily gained momentum, building upon the success of summits held last December and May, and the organizing work of many volunteers. At the May conference, the coalition ratified an agenda to address issues of education finance, infrastructure, housing and social services. Committees dedicated to each of these issues have continued to meet since then to further refine the agenda and to meet with elected officials on behalf of the members of the First Suburbs Project. To learn more about the First Suburbs Project, click here. |
Adams County: Land Use Education Is Contagious
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 Adams County may be best
known for its apple orchards and the Gettysburg battlefield. This
traditionally rural area, however, is also gaining attention for having one of the fastest-growing populations in the state. This dramatic growth has led to concern among many long-time residents who remember open farm fields that now feature subdivisions. Many fear that their region is losing its historic character. The pressures of growth are also visible to the county's new residents. Increased traffic has strained many of the area's rural roads.
A group of county organizations led by the Penn State Extension Service have formed the Adams County Partnership for Land Use Education to help address the citizens' concerns through education. This loose coalition began offering free public seminars last fall, covering diverse topics related to land use and beyond.
"It's always nice to see familiar faces at our seminars, but what is really exciting is the number of new people at each session," says Extension Educator Judy Chambers. "And now we're finding that land use education is contagious: Franklin County, our neighbor to the west, is hosting a session on growth pressures from Maryland later this month. Not only are more people thinking and talking about land use, but we hope they're also thinking more broadly about transportation, demographic change, groundwater and stormwater, open space preservation . . . the list goes on and on."
The Partnership for Land Use Education has announced that the seminar series will continue this fall. Click here for the full schedule and additional details. |
| Good Reading |
Classic Towns Campaign Shows Off Quality Places To Live
 More and more people are being drawn to small towns close to urban centers as quality places to live. With walkable communities, accessible transit, and reasonable real estate costs, these communities have much to offer. The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission has started a new campaign, Classic Towns of Greater Philadelphia, to promote such places in the region. Check out the campaign website and be sure to read the Philadelphia Inquirer article. |
| Stay Connected |
We update our site regularly with articles, opportunities and links, so please bookmark the home page of 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania and stop by often. To find your legislator and get copies of introduced legislation, visit the State General Assembly website. As always, thank you for staying connected to 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania. Please contact us if you have questions or would like more information.
Our e-newsletters are designed to keep you in the loop on all of our activities. Click Join Our Mailing List! in the top left column to choose the e-newsletters you'd like to receive. |
| 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania |
 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania works as an alliance of organizations and individuals committed to promoting land use policies and actions that will enable Pennsylvania to strengthen its diverse urban, suburban and rural communities. Through a diverse coalition focused on a positive agenda, we seek proactive solutions and options for local, regional and state leaders. Visit our website. | |
