Hampton, water authority recognized in Banner Community program

Hampton has been designated as a 2022 Banner Community by the Allegheny County League of Municipalities, as has the Hampton Shaler Water Authority.

This marks the 10th year of the program, which recognizes municipalities and municipal authorities that show a commitment to professional development, prudent fiscal management, transparency, accountability and proactive communications to engage community stakeholders.

The water authority has been part of the Banner Community program for four years, since the initiative first allowed authorities to join the program.

To be eligible for consideration for the Banner Communities Program, the entity’s elected and appointed officials must:

• Participate in educational or training programs through the league of municipalities, Local Government Academy or the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, or participate in a governing mentoring program;

• Be active members in good standing with the league of municipalities and the county municipal associations, and have a representative attending at least a minimum of 50% of county association meetings;

• Be active members in good standing in a council of goverments and attend COG meetings, participate in a COG cooperative purchasing program and participate in at least one shared municipal service;

• Conduct a Local Government Week activity by conducting a local activity promoting local government or communicating with the community about delivery of services;

• Conduct an effective citizen communication program by offering a municipal newsletter or web-based communication effort, and participate in a class discussion on local government or conducting a shadowing program for junior or senior high school students;

• Promote and implement long-term sustainable governing practices by earning certification through Sustainable Pittsburgh, managing employee pensions at funding levels of 90% or above, participating in the annual Allegheny League of Municipalities Wage and Salary Survey Program, and implementing goals of an up-to-date municipal comprehensive plan.

The municipalities and authorities will be recognized during a luncheon as part of the league of municipalities’ spring education conference in April.