Ambler Borough and Lower Salford Township have renewed their contracts for professional planning assistance from the Montgomery County Planning Commission (MCPC). The contracts are part of the Montgomery County Community Planning Assistance Program, which was established in 1950 to provide professional planning services that achieve a municipality's vision for an exceptional community.

                Ambler's contract involves ongoing economic development assistance that includes selective zoning updates, design assistance, and intensive development reviews. Previous contract work included new parking standards for the business district, design standards for street furniture, a new wireless communications ordinance, and a new floodplain ordinance.

                Lower Salford's contract involves a complete update of the township's subdivision and land development ordinance. Previous contract work included new parking standards for all religious institutions and an audit of past developments to review the successes/shortcomings of existing subdivision and land development regulations as a precursor to the ordinance update.

                Half of the municipalities in Montgomery County, including four regional planning areas, are participating in the county's community planning assistance program. Work accomplished through this program typically focuses on smart growth, economic development, the environment, sustainability, and parks and recreation. Municipalities are asked to make a three-year commitment.

                The three-year contracts are on a fee-for-service basis. The county subsidizes the program 50 percent to ensure good planning is within financial reach of all county municipalities.