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Citizen Portal News Pennsylvania
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United Way of Erie County is investing $2.6 million to transform Erie schools into full-service community hubs, ensuring students receive vital nonacademic support and resources.

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#PA #EducationSupport #CitizenPortal #CommunitySchools #StudentEngagement #EriePennsylvania
United Way says $2.6 million will support Erie’s community school model this year
United Way of Erie County told the school board it is directing $2.6 million to support full‑service community schools in Erie, paying community school directors and funding nonacademic services while offering data dashboards and school tours to track impact.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 12:46 PM
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Narberth Borough Council has taken a bold step by unanimously voting to keep local police out of federal immigration enforcement, prioritizing community trust and safety over divisive policies.

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#NarberthMontgomeryCounty #PA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #CommunityTrust
Narberth council adopts resolution limiting local participation in ICE 287(g) program
Narberth Borough Council on Feb. 5 unanimously approved a resolution instructing the borough police not to participate in the federal 287(g) program, while affirming that officers must comply with judicial warrants. Council members framed the measure as narrowly legal and morally important to preserve trust between residents and police.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 6:24 AM
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Pittsburgh's council is paving the way for vital infrastructure improvements and affordable senior housing, unlocking potential state funding for community projects!

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#PittsburghAlleghenyCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #PittsburghInfrastructure #PublicSafety #SeniorHousing
Council committees approve trail, intersection grants and several cooperation agreements for senior housing
Standing committees approved grant applications for the Emerald View Trail and several multimodal transportation projects, and authorized cooperation agreements (PILOTs) extending prior arrangements with NCSC USA Housing Development Corporation for senior housing; council also authorized Pittsburgh Land Bank property acquisitions.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 8:21 PM
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The Carlisle Theatre is set for a major makeover with a new $102,000 white roof, a $1.26 million grant, and exciting plans to restore its historic façade!

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#CarlisleCumberlandCounty #PA #FundingInitiatives #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityRestoration #CarlisleTheatre
Carlisle Theatre board reports new roof, fundraising and a plan for façade restoration
The theatre board reported a donated $102,000 roofing-materials contribution, more than $1.1 million in fundraising to date, a $1.26 million RACP grant award that requires a dollar-for-dollar match, and a prioritized plan to restore the High Street façade, replace aged HVAC, and update fire-detection systems.
https://citizenportal.ai/articles/7441497/Carlisle/Cumberland-County/Pennsylvania/Carlisle-Theatre-board-reports-new-roof-fundraising-and-a-plan-for-façade-restoration?source=bluesky&loc=PA
February 18, 2026 at 8:09 PM
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Harrisburg residents are rallying to save the Midtown Arts Center from a tax dispute that could shut it down, threatening jobs and the city's cultural heartbeat.

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#HarrisburgDauphin #PA #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #ArtsSupport #HarrisburgCultural
Residents plead with Harrisburg council to help save Midtown Arts Center amid tax dispute
Multiple residents, performers and family members of the owner asked Harrisburg City Council on Feb. 17 to intervene in an apparent amusement-tax dispute that could close the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (HMAC); speakers urged council to broker meetings with the administration and explore legislative fixes.
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February 18, 2026 at 8:04 PM
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Carlisle Borough Council has taken decisive action to address the aftermath of severe winter storms by reaffirming a disaster declaration and approving crucial emergency repairs and contracts for public safety.

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#CarlisleCumberlandCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety
Council reaffirms disaster declaration, approves emergency purchases and multiple infrastructure contracts
Carlisle Borough Council reaffirmed a disaster declaration tied to recent storms, adopted a resolution authorizing emergency snow- and water-main repairs, and approved related contracts including flow-metering, sewer rehabilitation engineering, a pump replacement and equipment purchases.
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February 18, 2026 at 7:46 PM
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Lock Haven's city council is set to approve $3.2 million in tax-exempt interim notes to refinance existing bonds and propel vital water projects forward!

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#LockHavenClintonCounty #PA #CivicAccountability #LockHavenWaterProjects #CitizenPortal #LocalGovFunding #PublicFinance
Council hears first reading for $3.2 million in interim notes to refinance 2022 bond, continue water project
Bond counsel presented a first reading of an ordinance authorizing two tax-exempt interim notes — $1.7M to refund a 2022C bond due April 1 and $1.5M to continue water-project work — and council moved the ordinance to a second reading.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 7:41 PM
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The West York Area School District board made headlines by approving key budgets while decisively rejecting a controversial York County School of Technology budget due to unsustainable salary increases.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #EducationFinance
West York Area SD board approves several budgets, rejects York County School of Technology budget 0-6
The board approved the district’s general operating budget and the York Adams Academy budget, approved an early-retirement incentive, and voted 0-6 to reject the York County School of Technology budget after debate over a 5% salary increase and staffing-cost drivers.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 7:18 PM
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The finance committee's approval of a $10,000 settlement and a controversial police surveillance software invoice has sparked urgent debates about privacy and oversight in Pittsburgh.

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#PittsburghAlleghenyCounty #PA #SurveillancePolicy #CitizenPortal #PittsburghPolice
Finance committee approves settlement payment, invoices and flags police surveillance software
Finance committee approved a settlement warrant and routine invoices and p-card approvals; Councilwoman Gross raised concerns about a $2,754 invoice for Leeds Online LLC (Sellhawk) used by the police bureau, referencing reporting on continuous surveillance capabilities and noting the administration’s assertion the city uses the tool only with judicial warrants.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 7:05 PM
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Harrisburg Council just approved a $387,380 traffic-signal upgrade and is seeking up to $3 million for safety improvements across key streets—transforming our neighborhoods!

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#HarrisburgDauphin #PA #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #TransportationSafety
Council unanimously approves traffic-signal grant, USDOT grant application and two interpreter contracts
Council passed Resolution 6 (a $387,380 PennDOT Green Light Go award for Allison Hill signal updates), Resolution 9 (authorization to apply for up to $3 million from USDOT), and approved two professional-services contracts for sign-language interpretation (Resolutions 7 and 8), all by 7–0 votes.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 6:27 PM
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Lock Haven City Council takes significant steps by approving a life-assist ordinance for the fire department and finalizing an interim city manager agreement!

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#LockHavenClintonCounty #PA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #LocalGovAI #PublicSafety
Lock Haven council approves fire ‘life assist’ ordinance, interim manager pay and interim-manager agreement
The Lock Haven City Council approved a second reading of a life-assist ordinance for the fire department, set wages for an interim city manager during the transition period and approved an agreement with an interim manager. All motions passed by roll-call vote.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 6:14 PM
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Residents of Pittsburgh are demanding answers from city officials on pressing issues like AI in governance and alleged police misconduct during a fiery public comment session.

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#PittsburghAlleghenyCounty #PA #AIEthics #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment
Residents press council on AI, alleged misconduct and neighborhood investment during public comment
During a lengthy public comment period at the Feb. 10 Pittsburgh City Council meeting, residents raised concerns about artificial intelligence, alleged police misconduct, neighborhood disinvestment and the influence of large philanthropic donations; speakers urged transparency and long‑term investment in underserved areas.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 6:10 PM
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Bethlehem's City Council has given the green light for a controversial seven-story mixed-use building on Walnut Street, despite fierce debates over its impact on the historic district.

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#BethlehemLehighandNorthamptonCounties #PA #UrbanDevelopment #CitizenPortal
Bethlehem council approves 7‑story Walnut Street project despite preservation objections
City Council approved a certificate of appropriateness for 33 West Walnut Street to allow a seven‑story mixed‑use building after HARB recommended approval; council cited statutory limits on COA review and approved the measure 5–1 amid public concern about scale and historic character.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 5:08 PM
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Pittsburgh City Council has just approved a groundbreaking $10 million donation from UPMC to modernize emergency medical services, combining city funds for a total of $27 million this year!

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#PittsburghAlleghenyCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #FleetModernization
Council accepts UPMC donation and packages donor funds with city allocations to modernize fleet
Council approved acceptance of a $10 million donation from UPMC to purchase emergency medical vehicles and amended a fund transfer so donor dollars and city appropriations are combined, producing roughly $27 million for fleet modernization this year, council members said.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 4:30 PM
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Harrisburg City Council's unanimous vote to reallocate funds not only secures three key positions but also boosts legal services by $20,000—what does this mean for the city's future?

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#HarrisburgDauphin #PA #BudgetReallocation #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance
Harrisburg council approves budget reallocation to fund three positions, adds $20,000 for council legal services
Council adopted Resolution 3 (first 2026 budget reallocation) to roll forward encumbered 2025 commitments, fund three positions including a new economic development director, and unanimously approved an amendment reallocating $20,000 into the council's legal-services line.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 3:58 PM
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Pittsburgh's council is at a crossroads, advancing zoning changes for short-term rentals while pausing a crucial licensing bill amidst heated public debate over safety and community impact.

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#PittsburghAlleghenyCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityInput
Pittsburgh council forwards zoning changes for short-term rentals, holds licensing bill
After two hours of public comment, Pittsburgh council members sent a zoning amendment defining short-term rentals to the planning commission and voted to hold a separate licensing bill for 12 weeks to allow coordination with enforcement and solicitor briefings; public testimony included both neighborhood concerns and operator pleas for licensing over caps.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 3:37 PM
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Carlisle Borough Council has hit pause on a controversial $45,750 surveillance deal after residents voiced strong concerns over privacy and security risks.

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#CarlisleCumberlandCounty #PA #CommunityEngagement #CarlisleBorough #CitizenPortal #PrivacyConcerns
Carlisle council tables Flock Safety proposal after sustained public opposition
After an extended public-comment period opposing mass surveillance, Carlisle Borough Council voted to table a $45,750 cooperative-purchase agreement with Flock Safety for further staff fact-finding and review.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 3:36 PM
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Harrisburg City Council is taking a bold step to limit city resources in federal immigration enforcement, ensuring residents feel safe and protected.

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#HarrisburgDauphin #PA #HarrisburgPublicSafety #CivicAccountability #ImmigrationReform #CitizenPortal #CommunityProtectors
Harrisburg council advances ordinance to limit city cooperation with federal immigration enforcement
At a Feb. 17 work session, Harrisburg City Council reviewed Bill 1 of 2026, a draft ordinance that would bar city officials from using city resources to assist federal civil immigration enforcement and would restrict access to nonpublic city facilities without a valid judicial warrant; council moved the draft to next week’s legislative session for possible amendments and a vote.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 3:32 PM
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The Harrisburg council is facing pressure from residents to strengthen a new immigration ordinance after alarming testimonies about ICE's treatment of detainees.

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#HarrisburgDauphin #PA #CivicAccountability #HarrisburgImmigration #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety
Harrisburg council reads immigration-related ordinance; speakers urge stronger protections
Clerk read Bill 1 (a proposed ordinance limiting city intervention in immigration matters) and council moved it to the public safety committee; many residents urged more robust protections, including community-drafted alternatives, and cited national examples of harm in ICE custody.
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February 18, 2026 at 3:25 PM
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Big changes are on the horizon for Narberth as the Citizens Bank redevelopment gears up for planning commission review, but concerns linger over oversight on smaller projects!

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#NarberthMontgomeryCounty #PA #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning
Committee hears development updates: Citizens Bank review expected in March; little-gym conversion and tenant timing discussed
Members reported the Citizens Bank infill and other small conversions are moving toward planning-commission review in March; one small conversion apparently proceeded with limited architect oversight, and a 10-month construction timeline was cited for the bank project if approvals proceed.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 11:33 AM
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York City is taking a stand against bias-motivated conduct with a new ordinance aimed at enhancing protections for the LGBTQ community after last summer's alarming incident.

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#YorkCityYorkCounty #PA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #BiasMotivatedConduct #YorkCityHumanRelations
Human Relations Commission backs draft bias-motivated ordinance, asks council to refine protections
Council member Ryan Soupler asked the Human Relations Commission to support a proposed bias-motivated conduct ordinance intended to fill perceived gaps in state law after an alleged anti-LGBTQ incident; commissioners endorsed sending the draft on with requests to clarify protected-class definitions and geographic scope.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 9:21 AM
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Altoona City Council just made significant changes by adopting four new ordinances and approving key consent items, but a $1,000 bid fell flat—what does this mean for the community?

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#AltoonaCityBlairCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning #PublicSafety #CommunityEnforcement
Altoona council approves consent items, rejects repository bid and adopts four ordinances
Council approved consent items a–g, rejected a $1,000 repository bid, and unanimously adopted four ordinances covering off-street parking, parking authority enforcement, rental-inspection family exemptions and disposition of surplus property.
citizenportal.ai
February 17, 2026 at 5:58 PM
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Reading is set to transform Penn Street with a bold $8 million redesign plan that could double downtown parking spaces and enhance pedestrian safety!

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#ReadingBerksCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #ReadingPennStreet #UrbanDesign #CommunitySafety #TransportationInnovation
Reading seeks PennDOT multimodal funding to remake Penn Street, add up to 120 downtown parking spaces
City staff asked the Planning Commission for a letter of support for a two‑phase PennDOT multimodal funding application to redesign Penn Street; the commission unanimously authorized the support. The proposed project would increase parking on the 400–500 blocks and add safety improvements, with an estimated total cost of about $8 million.
citizenportal.ai
February 17, 2026 at 5:42 PM
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Residents are rallying against an ordinance they say could push people in recovery into homelessness, stressing the importance of supportive housing.

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#AltoonaCityBlairCounty #PA #HousingAccess #CitizenPortal #CommunityEmpowerment #AltoonaRecovery #SubstanceUseSupport
Residents urge council not to restrict recovery homes; council to review ordinance at work session
Speakers at the public-comment period said proposed spacing and parking rules would discriminate against people in recovery and worsen homelessness; council-members said they will discuss repealing and reintroducing the ordinance after reviewing case law at a work session.
citizenportal.ai
February 17, 2026 at 5:27 PM
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A vital exhibit showcasing the rich contributions of African Americans is at risk due to a heating failure, endangering 1,500 student tours during Black History Month.

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#ErieErieCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #ErieAfricanAmericanHistory #CulturalEducation #CommunitySupport
Erie exhibit highlights local Black history as leaders plead for help after boiler failure
City officials and museum leaders showcased an exhibit from the Historical Institute of Culture and the African American Experience at Erie City Hall and said a boiler failure threatens about 1,500 planned student tours; they asked the public to donate via GoFundMe or an Erie Bank account to fund repairs.
citizenportal.ai
February 17, 2026 at 5:26 PM