Understanding How Pennsylvania Classifies Government

The break down goes as follows:

• State
• Counties
• Cities, Townships or Boroughs
• School districts

But that isn't all. Each of these has further sub groups.

• Cities: there are 3 classes of cities that influences government structure, land use, and taxes. They are determined by size.
• Philadelphia (1st class)
• Pittsburgh (2nd class)
• Scranton (2nd class-A)
• Any other city (3rd class)

Did you count four? You counted correctly. Technically, Scranton operates in just a slightly different class than Pittsburgh, so it is listed under its own heading even though the constitution states that there are 3 classes of cities.

• Counties: 9 classes, also based on population according to the most recent census.
• Townships: 2 classes based on population density based on the most recent census.
• First class -- Suburban
• Second class -- Rural
• Boroughs and  School districts: Just 1 class of each. Thank goodness!

So the question you are asking now has to be less of "how" and more of "Why on earth does Pennsylvania make things so complicated?" The answer can be found in the Pennsylvania Constitution. As the state grew more diverse in the types of populations and needs it held, there needed to be a way to ensure that there was consistent governmental structure across the state. To do this, they established different classes of each type of government and required that all classes of the same type be handled equally. This would allow for the diverse needs of the State; for example, Lancaster County does not need (or want!) the same type of government and zoning and ordinances that the center of Scranton does, and vice versa. The needs are different; the engagement is different.

So now you know.

Head not spinning yet? Ready to learn more? Contact Judy Chambers, this "How To"s source, at  chambers@psu.edu and check out the Local Governance programs.

By Dana Ray