Upper Darby hopes to forge a new partnership with the state to spur economic investment.

Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf has rolled out the Strategic Management Planning Program (STMP), and Upper Darby wants to be the first major municipality to join up.

Upper Darby Mayor Tom Micozzie said the program would provide matching funds to study the township’s fiscal trends and devise a strategy for economic investment. It would also identify funding sources to redevelop aging infrastructure.

“Through this partnership, we want to work hand-in-hand with the state to identify a mix of private, public, and foundation capital to reinvest in Upper Darby’s neighborhoods, rejuvenate our aging infrastructure, and redevelop our commercial corridors,” Mayor Micozzie said.

Expanding Upper Darby’s commercial tax base shifts the burden of residential property taxes from working families and seniors, Mayor Micozzie said.

His goal is to bring more infrastructure grant money to the township and find incentives to attract new businesses and investors.

The STMP program gives the township access to economic and financial experts and agencies to develop a holistic approach for the long-term fiscal health of Upper Darby.

Another key component would analyze the township’s current shared services agreements with smaller, neighboring municipalities and regional partners and how economic hardships of those partners would affect the finances and budget of Upper Darby.

If accepted into the Strategic Management Planning Program, Upper Darby Township plans to engage Econsult Solutions, Inc., an economic consulting firm based in Philadelphia, to provide assessment and analyses, as well as assist in implementing key strategies.

Some  project goals are:

• Conduct an independent, third-party assessment of the township’s multi-year revenue and expenditure trends. Develop a multi-year forecast based on current conditions;
• Analyze the link between economic conditions and revenue capacity. Develop community and economic development strategies to improve the township’s future revenue growth through increased business and property tax bases;
• Evaluate the costs and benefits of particular development incentives and programs to expand the tax base and strengthen the local economy;
• Implement short- and long-term goals and objectives to assist the township to identify fiscal constraints;

To find out more about the Strategic Management Planning Program, click here.