Seeking a better understanding of Pennsylvania's issues and proposed solutions? Sometimes, complicated jargon and concepts can get in the way. That's why we started Explainers, a series that tries to lay out key facts, clarify concepts and demystify jargon. Today's topic: municipal mergers and consolidations.
Pennsylvania is one of only ten states that doesn't allow for unincorporated territory. That is, every piece of land is governed as part of a municipality.
Why is this significant? Pennsylvania is comprised of 2,562 municipalities (only Texas and Illinois have more)—and around 800 have a population of less than 5,000. There's currently no way for municipalities to disincorporate, even if they have a shrinking population, are financially struggling, or simply no longer want to self-govern.
But Pa. law allows a municipality to terminate itself in its current form by merging or consolidating with another municipality or municipalities. On paper, it may look like a good solution for struggling municipalities. But it doesn't happen very often.
Read the full version of this report at the website of Keystone Crossroads, a new statewide public media initiative reporting on the challenges facing Pennsylvania's cities. WPSU is a participating station.
