The Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors has been serving townships of the second class since 1921, when Gov. William Sproul signed Act 189 to create PSATS. Headquartered in Enola, Cumberland County, the Association has more than 30 full-time employees and operates under the direction of a 13-member executive board, elected each spring by the membership. learn more about the organization
2025 Annual Conference
The PSATS 2025 Annual Educational Conference, held May 4-7, 2025, offers unparalleled training and networking opportunities for township officials and employees and is the biggest municipal exhibit show of its kind in Pennsylvania. learn more
Training
View the most recent training offerings from PSTATS at https://learn.psats.org/
Grassroots Advocacy & Policy
As a member of the Grassroots Advocacy Network, you can help your Legislators better understand your township needs because when one voice becomes thousands, legislators listen. his NEW tool will allow you to easily contact your State House or Senate member on key issues, provide talking points and allow you to follow relevant legislation in only a few clicks. learn more
Legislative Agenda and Policies
Each session, PSATS releases policy statements, which represent its legislative agenda for the next two years. Additionally, PSATS develops a Legislative Priorities document outlining major areas for legislative change to make township government more efficient and effective. learn more
Laws & Regulations
- Click here to find local state laws
- Click here for PA state regulations
- Click here for federal laws and regulation
Second Class Township Code: The most up to date version of the Second Class Township Code of 1933 P.L. 103, No. 69 as amended.
Municipalities Planning Code: The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code Act of 1968, P.L.805, No.247 as reenacted and amended.
Local Government Commission: The Local Government Commission is a bipartisan legislative service agency charged with providing research assistance to the General Assembly, as well as proposing legislation that would enable local governments to be more effective and efficient in providing services. Resources include the Pennsylvania Legislator’s Municipal Deskbook, links to frequently cited municipal laws of Pennsylvania, and links to Municipal Codes.
Resources
Below are some of the most frequently accessed sites and resources for townships:
COSTARS: COSTARS is the state’s cooperative purchasing program that townships can participate in to purchase goods and services from state contracts as well as through state and federal surplus programs. The program is overseen by the Department of General Services.
DCED Publications: The state Department of Community and Economic Development maintains a library of publications on local government issues. Included in this library are handbooks for elected and appointed officials, such as township supervisors, solicitors, secretaries, and auditors, as well as information on planning and zoning.
Federal and State Employer Posters: Townships are required to post certain notices in their worksites so employees have access to and information about applicable labor laws. These posters can be downloaded from this site free of charge.
Incorporation Dates for Municipalities: This will take you to a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission map where you can click on your county and find all the incorporation dates for the municipalities in that county.
Municipal Records Manual: This manual, published by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and approved by the Local Government Records Commission, tell townships how long they must retain various kinds of records. These schedules play a key role in local government records management.