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GOVERNMENTAL STRUCTURE
Existing Municipal Types
Existing land use and historic development trends can be used to categorize Montgomery County’s 62 municipalities by type
of municipality.
Towns and Redeveloping Areas
Places like Ambler, Pottstown, Jenkintown, or Lansdale are
among the towns and redeveloping areas in the county.
Older, redeveloping areas in the county have been affected
by the loss of population and jobs, but many of these places
have also been the focus of intensive revitalization efforts
over the past decade. Infrastructure improvements and
beautification projects have improved appearances and these
communities aggressively seek to attract new businesses and
residents. These older communities tend to be pedestrian-
and transit-friendly places that can appeal to younger
residents and empty nesters looking for a more traditional
and urban environment.
Mature Suburbs
Places like Abington, Cheltenham, West Pottsgrove, or
Lower Merion have already undergone a significant amount
of growth and development. Many of these places saw the
majority of their population growth and development take
place just before World War II or just after, during the 1950s
and 1960s. These communities are dealing with aging
infrastructure, infill development that may or may not match
existing neighborhood character, older housing, and
recreation needs for a denser population. They are also often
home to small downtown areas with objectives similar to
those of the county’s towns and redeveloping areas.
Suburban Communities
Newer suburban communities like Horsham, Whitpain, and
Upper Merion are characterized by a greater separation of
land uses. Many retail developments have become regional
destinations, but they were designed for the automobile and
tend to discourage pedestrian activity. These places still
have opportunities to reinvent their commercial areas and
employment centers, as well as preserve community open
space and trails that link residents to the places they travel.
Keswick is in a mature suburb.
King of Prussia is part of a suburban community.
Federal and State Role
Regional and County Role
Municipal Cooperation
Local Municipal Role
Existing Municipal Types
PLANNING ISSUE
The county’s municipalities,
which range from urban to
rural, are wrestling with very
different development issues.
