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MCPC MONTHLY
The Latest on Planning in Montgomery County, PA
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New Montgomery County Open Space Grant Program! Montco Forever Green
MCPC is excited to announce Montgomery County’s new open space grant program, Montco Forever Green, which is set to launch on September 1, 2025. The program is focused on preserving open space in Montgomery County in perpetuity. This program may be new, but efforts to preserve open space in our county are not. Montgomery County has a strong culture of open space preservation, and we aim to build on that legacy. While over 43,500 acres of open space have already been preserved, our study, Return on Environment: The Economic Impact of Protected Open Space in Montgomery County, re-emphasized why we need to keep preserving open space, given the undeniable economic, social, and environmental benefits we stand to gain (or lose). Below are a few basics about Montco Forever Green:
- Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
- Eligible applicants include the county’s 62 municipalities and nonprofit land conservation organizations.
- Projects may include fee title or conservation easement acquisitions of any open land in the county. The projects may be of any size and in any setting from rural to urban.
- The maximum grant award is $500,000.
- A minimum match of 25 percent of the grant award is required.
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More information, including the program’s guidebook, is available at www.montgomerycountypa.gov/MontcoForeverGreen.
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NEW Resources to Assist Municipalities with Regulating and Incentivizing Energy Transition
We are pleased to announce the release of two new planning tools designed to help communities reduce energy consumption and transition to renewable energy sources. Recognizing the regional importance of energy sustainability, MCPC collaborated with key partners to develop the following resources to assist municipalities in regulating and incentivizing transition to energy efficiency and renewable energy in the built environment:
Building Energy Conservation and Efficiency Ordinance Toolkit: Developed in partnership with the Chester County Planning Commission, this toolkit outlines how municipalities can use zoning and SALDO ordinances to promote energy-efficient building practices. It includes sample ordinance language from communities already implementing these strategies.
Southeastern PA Model Solar Ordinance: Created by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) with input from county, state, local, and private stakeholders, this model ordinance provides recommended language for regulating small, medium, and large-scale solar energy systems. It offers a comprehensive framework for municipalities to adopt solar-friendly policies tailored to their needs.
Both tools, available at www.montgomerycountypa.gov/RenewableEnergyEfficiency, are intended to support local governments in advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy goals across the region.
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Montgomery County Explores Proposals for Reusing Airy Street Prison
The Airy Street Prison Redevelopment initiative is continuing to move forward. The county received three proposals from the Request for Expressed Ideas (RFEI) that was issued to developers last December. The proposals include conceptual plans that offer ideas on how to best reuse the prison and overall site based on the county’s needs and the extensive public input received.
The internal review team has met over the past few weeks to evaluate each proposal and prepare for the next phase, which will involve communicating directly with developers on their respective proposals. The county also received input from MCPC staff on the scale, design, public space, and potential uses of each proposal and will incorporate the feedback into the upcoming round of questions to developers. To stay updated and give feedback on the redevelopment initiative, visit Engage Montco.
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UPCOMING EVENTS AND COURSES
Pizza with a Planner: Montco 2050
Multiple Events and Times | Free
Join us at one of our free "Pizza with a Planner" events to discuss the next phase of Montco 2050! This phase includes the plan’s vision statements, goals, and proposed plan recommendations. Multiple dates and locations, as well as a virtual event, are available. Register Today!
We also are having a September 30 event from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Ambler Theater to present our draft policies and invite public feedback on the plan’s draft goals and implementation strategies. Register Today!
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Farmers Gathering
August 17 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Free
Fun-E Farm T.O.O.
3488 Church Road, Gilbertsville, PA 19525
The Montco Farmers Gathering is an event that brings together the backbone of our community—the hardworking farmers who take care of our land and feed our families—to enjoy a night out and provide networking opportunities with fellow farmers. All farmers, preserved farm owners, and anyone interested in the Montgomery County Agricultural Land Preservation Program are welcome to join. Representatives from the Montgomery County Conservation District, Horizon Farm Credit, Penn State Extension, and more will be in attendance to discuss current programs, grants, and resources, etc. that are available to farmers. This year’s event will be held at Fun-E Farm T.O.O. and will include a small walking tour of the farm. The Farmers Gathering is an open forum centered on strengthening our farming network.
RSVP: By August 10, 2025.
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The Course in Subdivision and Land Development Review
September 11, 18, & 25 | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Cost: $110*
Lansdale Borough Hall, One Vine Street, Lansdale, PA 19446
The Course in Subdivision and Land Development Review is essential for planning commissioners and elected officials. This three-session course reviews the subdivision and land development process from pre-application meetings through the completion of a project. It focuses on the principles of subdivision and land development, the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) requirements, effective plan management procedures, and design and technical standards for subdivisions and land developments. The course is limited to 25 participants and preregistration is required. Professional credits offered through PMPEI. *Officials and staff from municipalities with a current Community Planning Assistance Contract with MCPC are eligible for a discounted rate of $90. Register Today!
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HOUSING FOCUS
Shared Housing and Resource Exchange (SHARE)
Did you know…that if you have room in your home that you can share space with someone in need? Shared Housing and Resource Exchange (SHARE) is a housing affordability option that Family Services organizes in partnership with Montgomery County, which brings together homeowners who want to share their home with home seekers who are looking for housing in exchange for rent, help around the house, or a combination of both. The home seeker receives their own bedroom and agreed upon use of the common areas.
Every arrangement is unique depending on the needs, preferences, and abilities of those involved. SHARE participants must be at least 18 years of age, and one of the individuals in the match must be over 60. For more information, visit the Family Services website, contact 610-630-2111 ext. 218 or share@fsmontco.org
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MONTCO 2050 FOCUS
Public Input Summary
Over the past three years, MCPC has conducted extensive public outreach for the county’s draft comprehensive plan, Montco 2050: A Comprehensive Plan for a Changing World. To ensure feedback from as many groups as possible, the commission administered online surveys, held over 40 pop-up events across the county, and partnered with Connect the Dots to facilitate focus groups and stakeholder interviews with community organizations and non-profits. They also delivered countless presentations to boards, commissions and civic groups.
Recurring sentiments from the public included the need for affordable housing for buyers and renters alike, as well as more sidewalk connectivity and a wider variety of transportation modes. There were also concerns about the loss of open space and local businesses as development continues. In addition, many residents praised the trail system and wanted to see it grow.
For the next phase, MCPC is seeking feedback on the plan’s vision statements, goals, and proposed recommendations. Visit the Pizza with a Planner page for information on upcoming events. The public can also continue providing input through Engage Montco.
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
MCPC participates on and engages with many boards, agencies, councils, and other stakeholders in our county and the region. This provides an excellent opportunity to share information, gain insight, and collaborate for success. Recent participation includes:
Comprehensive Plan Adoptions Congratulations to two of our contract communities for adopting new comprehensive plans in July: Horsham Township and West Norriton Township.
Originally settled over 300 years ago as a Quaker agricultural community, Horsham Township’s comprehensive plan focuses on sustaining a high quality of life while continuing to evolve toward a modern and vibrant future. Review Horsham’s comprehensive plan here.
As a largely built-out community, West Norriton Township’s comprehensive plan emphasizes preserving and enhancing parks and open space, improving multimodal transportation options, and revitalizing the West Main Street corridor. Review West Norriton’s comprehensive plan here.
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GRANT OPORTUNITIES
August 31 Deadline | CFA: Mixed-Use Revitalization Program
This program is open to developers for community revitalization projects that promote economic growth and include commercial assets. The project must be on at least 15 acres of land and have at least 200,000 square feet of proposed development. More information
August 31 Deadline | Pennsylvania Council on the Arts: Creative Catalyst Grants
These grants are open to nonprofits, tax-exempt corporations, units of government, colleges and universities, school districts, and non-arts nonprofits providing arts programming/arts services in Pennsylvania. The grants support new initiatives and opportunities that advance strategies for strengthening the cultural, educational, or economic vitality of Pennsylvania’s communities through the arts. Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000 and a 1:1 cash match is required.
More information
September 5 Deadline for Draft Applications| PennDOT – Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside
Open to local governments, transit agencies, school districts, and others. Funds available for on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, improving access to public transportation and enhanced mobility, environmental mitigation, safe routes to school projects, and trails that serve a transportation purpose. More information
Rolling Deadline | Farm Vitality Grants
Open to farmers and prospective farmers, funds are available for strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms, as well as to support the transition of ownership. Grants cannot exceed $15,000 or 75 percent of costs. More Information
Rolling Deadline | Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites Program (PA SITES)
Funds, approved on a quarterly basis, are available to develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within the state. More Information
Rolling Deadline | POWR Waterway Access Mini Grants
The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) is accepting applications for the Statewide Waterway Access Mini Grant Program on a rolling basis to help meet demand for non-motorized boating opportunities. Townships are eligible to apply for up to $30,000.
More Information
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STAFF NEWS
Congratulations! We are pleased to announce that three excellent staff members have recently been promoted. Congratulations to Claire Warner, who advanced to Principal Community Planner; Ryan Lamberti, who was promoted to Senior Environmental Planner; and Austin Mosby, who is now a County Planner II. Keep up the good work!
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Interested in Serving Montco?
Montgomery County has an application available for all residents interested in serving on a county board or commission. After the county receives an application, it will reach out to confirm the applicant’s information and interest. Once a board vacancy is available, the applicant will be considered for appointment.
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