Release – January 30, 2026. Image © by L. Frost.
WELLSBORO, PA – Tioga County hosted a Municipal Zoning Workshop on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Tokishi Training Center in Wellsboro, bringing together local leaders from across the county to strengthen planning efforts and support sustainable community growth.
The workshop was presented by the Tioga County Planning Department in partnership with the Tioga County Commissioners, Tioga County Secretaries Association, the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS), and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). Its purpose was to equip municipalities with accurate information, practical tools, and valuable resources related to zoning, comprehensive planning, and emerging development trends.
The event drew strong participation, with representatives from 28 of Tioga County’s 39 municipalities in attendance. Participants included municipal staff, township supervisors, borough council members, zoning and planning board members, county planning commission members, elected officials, and county employees—filling the room and reflecting a shared commitment to informed local governance.
County Commissioner Shane Nickerson emphasized the importance of education and transparency in planning efforts, noting that providing accurate information is essential to moving communities forward. “One of the most important things we can do as elected officials is give out accurate information,” Nickerson said. “There’s so much misinformation about who can do what and how things happen in a community. If we are going to move Tioga County forward, it has to be with factual information.”
State Representative Clint Owlett (68th Legislative District) echoed the value of the workshop for local leaders, emphasizing the critical role zoning knowledge plays at the municipal level. “Understanding the laws and facts around zoning is critical for our municipalities and boroughs,” Owlett said. “I’m thankful the county provided this opportunity for our local elected officials who are on the front lines of planning for their communities.”
Tioga County Planning Director Rachel Courtney highlighted the broader importance of planning beyond zoning alone, stressing that comprehensive planning is fundamental to community vitality. “Planning is imperative to the vitality of our communities and is often overlooked,” Courtney said. “While zoning was our focus, comprehensive plans are the nucleus of all community planning—from identifying long-term vision to securing project funding. I hope municipalities continue this workshop’s momentum by updating or establishing comprehensive plans.”
According to county records, all existing municipal comprehensive plans in Tioga County are currently due for an update. With 39 municipalities at varying stages of planning—some with zoning and planning commissions and others without—the workshop provided a valuable forum to learn, network, and explore options for pursuing zoning, comprehensive plans, or updates to existing documents.
Participants were encouraged to continue the conversation beyond the workshop by engaging
community members, sharing accurate information, and promoting local involvement. While municipalities are capable of managing planning efforts, County Commissioners acknowledged that capacity constraints can pose challenges. Municipalities with established planning initiatives were encouraged to partner with the county for resources such as grant writing and project management support.
PSATS zoning expert John Trant, President and CEO of Strategic Solutions LLC, delivered a
presentation on zoning fundamentals, municipal responsibilities, and enforcement requirements.
His presentation generated thoughtful discussion and a wide range of questions, particularly
regarding emerging land uses such as data centers and solar farms. Trant emphasized the critical
role local officials play in land use decisions, noting that “in Pennsylvania, land use decisions are
made by local officials who are handling multiple responsibilities with limited resources.” He
praised the county’s leadership, adding, “Tioga County’s support for these communities is
wonderful to see. It was a pleasure to participate in this event, and I’m excited to see what’s next
in the County’s bright future.”
David M. Sanko, Executive Director of PSATS, reinforced the importance of zoning education at the local level. “Sharing the pros and cons of zoning and land use is a worthwhile educational venture for local government community leaders,” Sanko said. “Balancing property rights, neighborhood safety, and expenses to be borne by taxpayers are important local decisions that should be preserved at the municipal level.”
DCED Northeast Regional Planners Chris Chapman and Rachael Hobbs presented information on the Municipal Assistance Program (MAP) Grant, which provides funding for planning initiatives such as zoning ordinances and comprehensive plans. Both planners praised the workshop’s impact, noting it was among the best municipal workshops they had been invited to attend and that it helped build momentum for countywide collaboration on planning and zoning.
To further support municipalities, County Commissioner Marc Rice announced financial assistance for municipalities pursuing MAP Grants for multi-municipal comprehensive planning and zoning, including grant writing and grant management support. The county strongly encourages multi-municipal zoning as a cost-effective, collaborative approach that reduces financial strain while strengthening planning outcomes.
County Commissioner Sam VanLoon reflected on the strong turnout and engagement, sharing that seeing so many municipal leaders take advantage of the resources offered “has been a light of hope.” State Senator Gene Yaw also commended the county’s efforts, stating, “Strong communities are built through thoughtful planning, cooperation, and a clear understanding of the tools municipalities have at their disposal. I commend Tioga County for bringing local leaders together, providing accurate information, and encouraging collaboration.”
Commissioners also shared information on Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated $14,620,000 to Pennsylvania for long-term recovery following Tropical Storm Debby (DR-4815-PA). Tioga County has been designated a Most Impacted and Distressed (MID) area, with at least 80 percent of the funding required to be invested in the region. CDBG-DR funds are intended to address unmet recovery needs after other assistance has been exhausted. Municipalities interested in submitting potential CDBG-DR projects are encouraged to contact the county.
For more information, contact the Tioga County Planning Department at 570-723-8251 or visit
www.tiogacountypa.us.
