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1. What is an ABC?

ABC's are Authorities, Boards, Commissions and Committees appointed by the municipality's elected officials. Council receives advice from more than 100 appointed residents who serve on various Authorities, Boards, Commissions and Committees. Members of ABC's serve without compensation. Most are advisory to State College Borough Council, but certain authorities are lease-operating boards or authorities rather than lease-back or advisory boards or authorities. Some other boards have similar legal standing.

2. What are the different ABCs?

State College ABCs include the following:

• Authorities Board,
• Borough Water Authority,
• Board of Health,
• Design & Historic Review Board,
• Real Estate Advisory Committee,
• Regional Tax Appeals Board,
• Rental Housing Revocation Appeal Board,
• Zoning Hearing Board,
• Civil Service Commission,
• Planning Commission,
• Transportation Commission,
• Tree Commission,
• Community Development Block Grant Citizens’ Advisory Committee,
• Human Relations Commission, and
• Redevelopment Authority.

Regional Government ABCs include the following:

• Centre Area Transportation Authority,
• Centre Region Parks and Recreation Authority,
• Schlow Centre Region Library Board,
• Centre Region Building & Housing Code Board of Appeals, and
• Centre Regional Planning Commission.

Council also appoints members to the Centre County Airport Authority, Centre County Community Foundation, Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority, Centre Network, State College Community Land Trust and University Area Joint Authority.

3. Where can I find agendas and minutes for ABC meetings?

Agendas for the various Authorities, Boards and Commissions (ABC's) are available a few days prior to each meeting. Minutes are available once they have been approved by the ABC.

View Agendas and Minutes

4. Who can join an ABC?

State College Borough extends the invitation to volunteer to all State College Borough residents: Some regional ABC's are also open to residents who live outside the municipal boundaries. Special accommodations will be made upon request and whenever possible to assist individuals with a disability. The decision to appoint ABC members ultimately lies with Borough Council.

5. How do I apply to be on an ABC?

If you are interested in serving on one of our ABC’s please complete the Application for Membership on an Advisory Board form and deliver/mail it to State College Borough, Human Resources Department, 243 South Allen Street, State College, PA 16801 or submit by email. Your application will be kept on file and submitted to Council for consideration when positions become available.

Application for Membership on an Advisory Board

6. When are ABC members typically appointed by Council?

Recruitment for ABC members typically begins in early fall. ABC appointments are generally made at the end of the calendar year. The number of positions available varies year to year. Additional appointments may also be made throughout the year due to varying circumstances.

Current Vacancies

7. How long would I serve?

Terms for ABC appointments vary by ABC. See the ABC website for more information.

Authorities, Boards, Commissions & Committees