Act 47

A blighted home sits on 12th Avenue in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Altoona To Fight Blight By Supporting Homeowners And Going After Violators

Min Xian

Altoona’s Blight Task Force released a plan Wednesday to address the city’s rundown property problem. The plan looked at the extent of blight in Altoona…

After more than a decade spent in a state financial oversight program, Pittsburgh regained its fiscal independence last month. More than a dozen Pennsylvania cities remain in the program.

Business, Economics and Finance

Pittsburgh Won Back Its Financial Independence, But Can The City Prevent Repeating The Past?

Margaret J. Krauss

On a Monday morning in February, people packed the Pittsburgh mayor’s conference room to witness the city’s successful transition to financial…

Altoona Officially Exits Act 47, Ending Distressed City Status

Min Xian

The city of Altoona officially came out of Act 47 on Wednesday, bringing an end to its distressed city status. Altoona's successful exit is a big win for…

Business, Economics and Finance

How does Pennsylvania’s distressed communities law (Act 47) work?

Emily Previti

One in a series explaining key terms and concepts of Pennsylvania government.Pennsylvania's Act 47 – the Municipal Financial Recovery Act guides how the…