The Bond/WAPMM Local Government Internship Program is a partnership between the Western Association of Pennsylvania Municipal Management (WAPMM) and the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), University of Pittsburgh. It is funded by an endowment through the University of Pittsburgh established by former Municipal Manager and GSPIA Alumnus, Marshall W. Bond. Although it is available at no financial cost to the successful municipal applicant, municipalities are encouraged to supplement the endowment stipend. This opportunity has been developed to help identify, encourage, and train up future municipal managers. The application form can be found below and is due by February 29, 2024. Completed applications should be sent via email to [email protected]. ![]()
Local Government Academy’s Municipal Intern Program connects local governments with enthusiastic undergraduate or graduate students seeking real-world experience working at the grassroots level. Eligible placement sites include municipalities, councils of governments, and municipal authorities in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Applications for host sites are open on LGA’s website from January 8 - February 9, 2024. Recent MIP projects have included, but are not limited to, MS4, blight remediation, code enforcement, trail development, sustainability initiatives, community engagement, historical preservation, asset management, and much more! QVCOG member communities interested in applying for an municipal intern are strongly encouraged to contact Executive Director Conners prior to submittal. Further details about the Program can be found here.
Newly elected Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato and her transition team have put together a comprehensive survey for County residents. The goal is to hear from residents of all backgrounds and from every municipality. The survey is expected to remain available throughout the month of January. QVCOG member communities are encouraged to share the survey on their websites, social media pages, etc. The survey results are expected to be used to inform the Innamorato Administration’s governing agenda. This is an important opportunity for the QVCOG member communities and their residents to help shape how the County government invests its resources and delivers services. The survey can be accessed here.
The year 2023 witnessed continued buy in and growth for the QVCOG and its programs and services. From record setting participation in grant applications, to the consolidation of the glass recycling costs and administration, the QVCOG continues to be an integral tool for its fifteen member communities and the over 31,000 residents that call them home. Annually, the organization compiles a report that outlines the various accomplishments and accolades that took place over the previous year. You may access the 2023 report here.
In the recent past the Cohen Law Group has represented and worked on behalf of many QVCOG member communities when their franchise fee agreements were near expiration. A major advantage provided by this cooperative is reduced rates charged by the aforementioned firm. The current proposal as outlined in the attachment below commits a 20% discount if 7 or more QVCOG members "sign on". The fees and various discounted rates can be found on pages 11-12 of the proposal.
The proposal also includes a franchise fee audit to determine whether Comcast has paid each of the municipalities all the franchise fee revenue to which they may be entitled. Per the Cohen Law Group, between 2021-23, their firm conducted over 120 franchise fee audits (most of them of Comcast) and found underpayments approximately 65% of the time. Should an underpayment be identified during an audit, the franchise renewal is the best time to collect such underpayments (plus penalties and interest). Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the proposal, etc. please contact Mr. Daniel Cohen via email [email protected] or by phone at (412) 447-0130, ext. 110. In order to receive a discounted rate, a deadline of February 29, 2024 has been established to participate in the cooperative. Franchise Fee Proposal Sample Agreement The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) is a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the design, acquisition, and construction of a regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement project. RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity. RACP projects are state-funded projects that cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs. The RACP funding round will open Friday, December 8, 2023. The window will close Friday, January 12, 2024. More information regarding this funding opportunity can be found here.
Program Guidelines Compliance Guidelines FAQs The Allegheny League of Municipalities (ALOM) is currently accepting applications for municipalities and authorities to be recognized as Banner Communities in the 2024 calendar year. In an effort to allow designees to better utilize their Banner Community Scholarships at the 2024 Spring Educational Conference, applications may be submitted until the deadline of November 30, 2023. Applications may be accessed here. A total of seven QVCOG member communities qualified as Banner Communities in 2023.
In an effort to best prepare and accommodate for the upcoming holiday season, at its November 15th meeting the Board of Delegates unanimously voted to convene exclusively via Zoom for its December 20th Board meeting. Members of the public who are interested in attending the meeting virtually may request the Zoom link by emailing Executive Director Conners ([email protected]).
In an effort to prepare the incoming group of elected leaders in our region, Local Government Academy is again offering its Newly Elected Officials Course. The Newly Elected Officials Course is the most comprehensive training program offered to local government officials – it covers the basics, elevates best practices, and builds relationships. This offering has become a trusted resource for training public officials in the practice of good governance and typically sells out quickly. Registration for the Course opened on November 8th and may be accessed here.
QVCOG member communities are encouraged to attend an upcoming LTAP training opportunity offered by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC). The training will occur on December 14, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. in Ohio Township's volunteer fire hall (1520 Roosevelt Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237). The course is free. Interested parties should email [email protected] to register for the event. This may be of particular note for Public Works teams (see description below):
This course prepares attendees to perform routine and corrective maintenance on common types of stormwater control measures (SCMs). Participants will learn the keys of a successful SCM Operations Program, common SCM types and components; what infiltration/filtration surfaces are, common SCM vegetation considerations, and the difference between routine versus corrective maintenance. Attendees will be prepared to schedule and complete routine maintenance activities; be familiar with techniques and equipment appropriate for various SCMs types and understand specialized maintenance techniques to address frequently encountered SCM problems. Intended Audience: Primarily individuals who are involved in operation and maintenance of stormwater control measures, including public works directors and SCM field maintenance personnel. Personnel involved in designing and inspecting SCMs will also benefit from the knowledge gained in this training. |