The Strategic Management Planning Program (SMPP) is a funding initiative administered by the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services (GCLGS) under the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED). This program aims to provide financial assistance to local governments in Pennsylvania, supporting them in developing and implementing multi-year financial management strategies to improve fiscal stability and service delivery. The grant is designed for municipalities that may not yet be in formal financial distress but are experiencing financial challenges and need guidance to enhance their economic sustainability.

Eligible applicants for the program include all forms of Pennsylvania local governments, such as counties, cities, boroughs, towns, townships, and home rule municipalities. The primary objectives of the SMPP include supporting municipalities in assessing financial and operational conditions, implementing revenue and expenditure forecasting, and strengthening long-term financial planning. The program encourages municipalities to adopt best management practices, pursue cost-sharing strategies with neighboring governments, and integrate economic development initiatives into financial planning.

Funding from this program can be used for activities such as hiring professional financial consultants to develop financial management plans, conducting management audits, implementing cost-saving measures, and executing best-practice financial strategies. The program is divided into phases, beginning with a financial condition assessment and leading into the development of a multi-year financial management plan, followed by implementation phases. The maximum grant award is $200,000, and recipients are required to provide a 50% cash match, though a portion of this match may be in-kind contributions under certain conditions.

The application process requires submissions through DCED’s Electronic Single Application system. Applicants must provide a detailed project narrative, budget documentation, and a resolution from the governing body authorizing the submission. DCED evaluates applications based on criteria such as financial distress levels, municipal management capacity, economic conditions, and willingness to engage in regional cooperation. The review process may involve consultations with state agencies and financial experts.

Grant recipients are required to submit an independent financial audit for the fiscal year preceding the application. If awarded funding, municipalities must ensure compliance with financial management standards and agree to performance monitoring and reporting. The program promotes institutionalizing multi-year financial planning within local government operations, ensuring municipalities continue proactive financial planning beyond the grant period.

For further details and assistance, applicants can contact the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services at (888) 223-6837 or via email at ra-dcedclgs@pa.gov. Regional offices are available throughout Pennsylvania to provide additional support.