Residential development can often be a controversial but misunderstood issue in Pennsylvania communities.

It can affect the demand for public schools, road construction and maintenance, police and other public services, while simultaneously increasing the local tax base and local government revenues. It can provide needed jobs and quality places to live, but also can affect open space and farmland, the environment and quality of life.

Local officials and citizens need to understand and predict the impacts of residential development when planning for future service demands and budget needs, as well as when discussing subdivision plans and proposals from developers.

A workshop has been scheduled for Oct. 19 to address this important topic. The program will be held at the Butler County Extension Office, located in Building 10 on the grounds of the Sunnyview Home in Butler Township from 9 a.m. to noon.

This workshop is designed to help local officials and citizens understand how development can affect local revenues and the demand for local services, and identify the factors that influence the size of these benefits and costs.

It will introduce a hands-on fiscal impact tool that estimates the costs and revenues of residential development for Pennsylvania municipalities and school districts, which can be used to consider land-use change in their communities.

The workshop will be taught by Tim Kelsey, professor of agricultural economics and extension specialist at Penn State. Kelsey has 15 years of experience researching and teaching about land-use change and is a co-creator of the fiscal impact tool.

Advance registration is requested. A $10 per person registration fee to cover the cost of refreshments and program materials will be collected the day of the program.

To request a copy of the program brochure or to register, contact the Butler County Cooperative Extension Office at 724-287-4761.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, Extension director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office at the Sunnyview Home complex.