Title
Recognizing The Pennsylvania Municipal League, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s oldest municipal association and one of five of the oldest in the nation, as it celebrates its 125th Anniversary
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WHEREAS, The League was set up in Harrisburg City Hall in 1940 and formed a legislative committee to work with members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly on legislation impacting local government; and
WHEREAS, the League of Cities of the Third Class was conceived in 1899 by Bradford Mayor J.C. Greenewald and Erie Mayor John Depinet as a way for Third Class Cities to share common issues, best practices and solutions; and
WHEREAS, the first annual convention was held in May 1900 to adopt a constitution and bylaws with delegates from: Allentown, Altoona, Bradford, Chester, Easton, Erie, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lock Haven, McKeesport, Meadville, Reading, Wilkes-Barre and York; and
WHEREAS, The League adopted an amendment in 1955 to include cities of the First, Second and Second Class A, the organization became known as the League of Cities and Home Rule Charter communities were welcomed to The League in 1982 with its board of directors opening membership to any municipality in 1986; and
WHEREAS, during the 1990’s The League changed its name to the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, purchased a building one block from the state Capitol along with Philadelphia City Councilman Brian O’Neill elected as President of the National League of Cities. The League’s name was changed to the Pennsylvania Municipal League in 2012 with an updated logo created in 2018; and
WHEREAS, The League launched its Envision 2032 report that helped chart the future of municipal government with priority areas such as infrastructure, community development, economic vitality, equity and civic engagement, municipal finance, public health and safety and sustainability; and
WHEREAS, The League remains a well-respected organization with 146 member municipalities and stands ready to assist its members, state officials and partners in charting a new course for the next 125 years; now, therefore, be it,
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILDELPHIA, Acknowledges the longevity, excellence and advocacy provided by the Pennsylvania Municipal League as an effective resource to improve the lives of the residents impacted by local government throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy be presented to The Pennsylvania Municipal League, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
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