The design and construction industry (building construction and building use) creates a staggering 40% of the world’s total emissions to the environment. The design decisions we make as architects, designers and local governments play a key role and directly impacts these emissions. Moreover, many municipalities have made commitments to reduce their impact on the environment. A focus on emission reduction for both new and existing buildings will provide a significant Return on Investment (ROI).

This webinar will provide local officials with a practical guide for expanding broadband service in their communities. Learn key strategies from the 5-step action plan prepared by Dan Cohen and Mike Roberts of Cohen Law Group for individual communities, including how to:​ Identify the specific areas of your municipality that are unserved or underserved Obtain key information and select provider(s) to build out those areas for broadband Secure federal and/or state funding for broadband expansion Ensure legal protections for your municipality

This educational seminar explores issues that zoning officers and planning/zoning officials face on a regular basis, and discusses effective strategies to address them.

This webinar helps to solve the municipal planning paradox of matching need with funding when considering new facilities, renovations, expansions, or upgrades. The presenter, Martin Kimmel (Kimmel Bogrette Architecture + Site), is an architect and planner who has developed a unique planning process that promises an economical and expedient process to flesh out facilities projects, using targeted Project Mission and Needs Analysis, intensive research into building and site constraints, programmatic planning, 3-dimensional site and building renderings and detailed cost estimating. Through this process, the need, funding, and designs are aligned. The successful outcome is a constructed building that looks exactly as it was originally proposed. This MasterConcept Planning product has been used for more than 100 municipal facilities projects and is now offered at an affordable, fixed price so your township will be aware of the investment in advance.

Do you want to reduce stress and get more time back in your day? The zoning and permitting process can often be a time-consuming an paper intensive process. In this webinar, learn from representatives of Momentum ECM about how your municipality can digitize and automate these processes using Laserfiche to greatly reduce your turnaround time.

From making decisions on contentious public issues, to learning the ins and outs of the Municipalities Planning Code, being a member of a zoning hearing board can be a challenge. In this course, Elam Herr, retired PSATS' assistant executive director and the chair of the East Hempfield township (Lancaster) zoning hearing board, has a wealth of experience and will help you to better navigate this challenge. Topics to be covered include procedures for deciding variances and special exceptions, handling hearing-related questions, Ethics Act requirements and much more. Attendees will also learn specific practical tips that will leave them better prepared for their next meeting or hearing. While this course is geared more toward newer zoning hearing board members, those looking for a refresher on their obligations will also benefit.

From making decisions on contentious public issues to learning the ins and outs of the Municipalities Planning Code, being a member of a zoning hearing board can be a challenge. Topics to be covered include procedures for deciding variances and special exceptions, handling hearing-related questions, Ethics Act requirements and much more. Attendees will also learn specific, practical tips that will leave them better prepared for their next meeting or hearing. While this course is geared more toward newer zoning hearing board members, those looking for a refresher on their obligations will also benefit.

Using a case study of sewer capacity and solar farm development in Berks County, planning experts will illustrate the importance and value of integrating GIS into decision-making when engaging in economic development projects. They will also review best practices for economic development discussions between municipalities and elected officials and the choices and opportunities for economic development that exist in land use decision making.

Unfunded MS4 requirements….The need to preserve land and protect against encroaching development….Rising demand for recreational amenities….Can a township address all of these competing challenges with limited funds? They have in Conewago Creek! The key is working across departments and across jurisdictions to identify potential co-benefits. You can share costs to lower your investment while maximizing the return on every dollar spent and attracting grants. Learn how in this case study presentation.

This webinar presentation will discuss the preparation and implementation of a Residential Conservation Development Ordinance that has been proven to work in a township as it transitions from a rural to suburban community.