Mayors share how grappling with housing has shaped their jobs
Mayors across the United States say housing affordability has become the defining challenge of their administrations, shaping policies and priorities in cities large and small. More than half of mayors in a recent bipartisan survey expect affordability in their cities to decline over the next year, and nearly all say their residents are dissatisfied with current housing costs. Leaders from major cities like Atlanta and Seattle told Stateline that the housing crisis touches every aspect of civic life — from workforce stability to public safety — but that local governments often lack the authority to solve it alone. Many mayors are pursuing creative solutions, such as bond-funded construction, zoning reform, and partnerships with state and private entities, even as they face limits imposed by high construction costs, state preemption laws and community resistance to density. Read more at Stateline.
Source: Stateline; 10/27/2025

Region stands to lose $18M in federal public safety funding
The greater Philadelphia region is at risk of losing about $18 million in Homeland Security grants after the Trump administration revoked funding that supports emergency preparedness statewide. Gov. Josh Shapiro has joined a multi-state lawsuit arguing the cuts and new restrictions endanger public safety ahead of major 2026 events like the nation’s 250th anniversary, the FIFA World Cup and the MLB All-Star Game. PEMA director Randy Padfield said the cuts will limit essential training, reduce the number of qualified personnel for response, and undermine crucial disaster communications and mutual aid agreements. The immediate impact is a loss of $18 million in Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) funding for the Philadelphia region, which includes Bucks, Berks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Read more from LevittownNow.
Source: LevittownNow; 10/29/2025

Morrisville schools could close in January due to PA budget impasse
Morrisville School District Superintendent Andrew Doster warned families on Nov. 3 that all school operations could be suspended by Jan. 30 if Pennsylvania lawmakers fail to pass a state budget soon. The 850-student district, which depends on the state for over half its funding, has been operating with less than 50% of its annual revenue due to both state and federal budget delays. Despite cost-cutting measures like freezing expenses and delaying payments, officials say they will run out of money to cover payroll and operations by mid-January. Doster met with staff and plans student assemblies to explain the crisis, while the school board will revisit financial options at a Nov. 19 meeting. He urged parents to contact legislators, emphasizing his commitment to minimizing disruption but warning that a prolonged budget impasse could halt all classes, activities and services.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 11/3/2025

Quakertown school board approves reduction in charter school funding
At its Oct. 23 meeting, the Quakertown Community School Board voted 5-4 to temporarily withhold 25% of payments to charter schools due to the ongoing state budget impasse and subsequent delay in state funding. The board’s resolution argues that charter schools should share the financial burden until the 2025-2026 state budget is enacted and funding resumes. The 25% figure mirrors the portion of state subsidies the district has not yet received. Supporters said the move would save about $100,000 per month and have minimal impact since charter schools can access a $500 million state fund if needed. Opponents objected to using students as leverage in a political dispute, insisting that all students deserve full funding regardless of the state’s budget delay.
Source: Town & Country; 10/29/2025

Upheaval continues in Haycock, supervisor vacancy announced
Haycock Township is undergoing major leadership upheaval following months of controversy and resident frustration. Secretary-treasurer Chris Bauer, accused of financial misconduct and misuse of township resources, resigned effective Nov. 7, ending his 22-year tenure. Bauer also served as the township Right-to-Know Officer and was on the Nov. 4 ballot for the tax collector position (unofficial election results show candidate Pamela Fly winning with 64.25% of the vote.) Days later, residents learned that Supervisors Chairman Michael Lennard, who has faced criticism for absenteeism and lack of responsiveness, will also resign. Lennard’s resignation means two new Haycock supervisors will take office in January to serve with Supervisor Linda Levinski. The supervisors will appoint a replacement for Lennard. Recent meetings have drawn large crowds seeking solutions to the township’s fiscal and administrative troubles, including proposals for a citizens advisory committee to restore transparency and stability after a tumultuous year.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 10/28/2025 & 11/3/2025

Hilltown works toward 15th consecutive year without a tax increase
Hilltown Township supervisors are considering a 2026 municipal budget that would maintain the current property tax rate of 8.75 mills for the 15th consecutive year. The proposed budget, which must go through public review and a hearing before final approval, funds all planned expenditures without requiring a tax hike. Finance director David Boscola credited strategic investments and efficient financial management for helping the township to avoid raising taxes while still supporting essential services like police, road maintenance and administration. The 2026 budget includes funding for a new police officer and federally mandated MS4 stormwater management projects aimed at protecting water quality. Residents can review the proposed budget at the township building before the final vote later this year.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 10/31/2025

Newtown Gate residents frustrated over sudden parking enforcement
At a recent Newtown Township supervisors meeting, residents of Newtown Gate voiced frustration over a sudden wave of parking tickets issued along Fountain Farm Lane, where street parking had been allowed for decades. Resident Maria Porambo, speaking for her homeowners association, said residents were blindsided by the enforcement effort and received no prior communication or warning from township officials. Supervisors acknowledged the confusion and proposed several ideas, including paving small green areas for extra parking, negotiating use of nearby lots during the holidays, and holding a Zoom meeting between township officials and Newtown Gate’s three homeowners associations to find long-term solutions. The meeting ended with a commitment to continue discussions to improve parking access and Porambo thanking the supervisors for their willingness to discuss potential solutions.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 10/31/2025 

Voter roll error complicates Election Day in Chesco
Nearly 20% of voters in Chester County were left out of the poll books originally provided to polling locations on Election Day. The missing names were voters registered as anything other than a Republican or a Democrat, including those registered with the Green or Libertarian parties or independents with no party affiliation. The category includes just over 75,000 registered voters out of roughly 385,000 countywide. Independent and third-party voters were forced to cast provisional ballots for much of the day, until supplemental poll books could be dispatched to all 230 polling locations. A Chester County judge extended voting by provisional ballot to 10 p.m. at all polling locations. The county said it will work to determine the cause of the error.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer & AP; 11/4/2025 

Coatesville considers LERTA for development
Coatesville City Council will consider an ordinance creating the HND Hilltop Neighborhood Development Overlay LERTA District, which would authorize real estate tax exemptions for qualifying properties in designated deteriorated areas under Pennsylvania’s Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act. The measure outlines eligibility requirements, a 10-year exemption schedule, and procedures for securing tax relief, while repealing conflicting ordinances and setting an effective date for 30 days after final adoption.
Source: Daily Local; 10/21/2025

Kennett Township makes its case for proposed new police facility
Kennett Township officials continue to face public scrutiny over a proposed $10 million, 11,500-square-foot police facility planned next to the township building on Burrows Run Road in Chadds Ford. During the Oct. 22 supervisors meeting, Township Manager Alison Dobbins and public works director Ted Otteni defended the project as a necessary long-term investment, citing cramped, outdated conditions in the current offices and growing policing demands, particularly in serving the township’s large senior population who are often targeted by fraudsters. Residents questioned the cost, size and necessity of the project, suggesting alternatives like regionalization, renting space or using the historic Fussell House — all of which officials said were impractical. The township is considering financing the project through a mix of existing funds, a 25-year bond and a possible property tax increase of about $152 per household, with further public input to be gathered before any final decision.
Source: Chester County Press; 10/29/2025

Upper Uwchlan considers $52 local services tax
Upper Uwchlan Township officials will consider adopting a new ordinance to establish a local services tax (LST). The proposed $52 annual tax, authorized under Pennsylvania’s Local Tax Enabling Act, would apply to anyone employed within the township starting Jan. 1, 2026, with exemptions available for individuals earning less than $12,000 annually. Township officials estimate the tax would generate about $200,000 in revenue to fund emergency services and road maintenance, collected through employer payroll deduction. The LST is applicable only to the payer’s primary job. The ordinance will be considered at a meeting on Monday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. at 140 Pottstown Pike in Chester Springs.
Source: Daily Local; 10/31/2025

Kennett Square is looking for input on its comprehensive plan
Kennett Square Borough is updating its comprehensive plan, a long-term roadmap that will guide how the borough evolves, enhances community spaces, strengthens the local economy and promotes a high quality of life for all residents. Community members can provide input through an online survey. There will also be a comprehensive plan open house on Monday, Nov. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Kennett Library, located at 320 E. State St.
Source: Kennett Square Borough; 11/4/2025