By Jim Hunt for the News and Journal
As I continue my cross-country travels this summer, I recently had the pleasure of visiting thebeautiful city of Erie, Pennsylvania, on the banks of Lake Erie. I was there for the 2025 Annual Conference of the Pennsylvania Municipal League (PML), which also marked a major milestone, the League’s 125th anniversary. Formed in 1900, PML has gone through many changes in name and structure but has remained steadfast in its mission to advocate for Pennsylvania’s cities, towns, boroughs, and townships.
I’ve attended several PML conferences in Erie over the years, and each time I return, the city seems to have added another layer of charm. With its scenic waterfront, revitalized downtown, and a modern conference center perched on the lakeshore, Erie has truly become one of the most attractive destinations for municipal gatherings in the region.
Getting there from Clarksburg is remarkably easy, just hop on Interstate 79 and stay the course north for about four hours. The drive is peaceful, winding through rolling farmland and rural communities, and while the fall colors hadn’t yet reached their peak, the scenery was still beautiful. I made a brief stop at the Grove City Outlets, a familiar stop for many travelers from West Virginia and Ohio. After wandering through a few stores, I spotted an Eat’n Park and decided to relive a Clarksburg tradition with an afternoon breakfast of French toast and eggs. The service was great, and the nostalgia even better.
The Pennsylvania Municipal League continues to thrive under the leadership of my good friend John Brenner and his exceptional staff. John, who previously served as Mayor of York, Pennsylvania, succeeded another longtime friend, Rick Schuettler, as Executive Director. Both were present for this historic celebration. Organizing an event of this scale is no small feat — with dozens of educational sessions, speakers, and receptions, and the PML staff handled it all with professionalism and grace.
Also joining the festivities was the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners (PSATC), marking their own milestone, 100 years of service. For a century, PSATC has been a trusted partner to PML, sharing a common commitment to collaboration, innovation, and good governance.
One of the most moving moments of the conference came from keynote speaker Michael Hingson, author of Thunder Dog, a New York Times bestseller that tells the remarkable true story of how his guide dog, Roselle, led him from the 78th floor of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Blind since birth, Michael’s story of courage, trust, and resilience left the audience spellbound. I had the chance to meet him before his presentation; he is an extraordinary man defined not by his blindness but by his insight and spirit. I invited him to be a guest on the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast, and he graciously agreed. I’ll share more about that conversation in a future column.
As I headed south on Interstate 79 toward home, I reflected on the friendships rekindled, the stories shared, and the inspiration that filled those few days in Erie. The trip reminded me once again that cities and towns thrive when their leaders come together to learn, collaborate, and celebrate their shared purpose. And yes — I’m already trying to convince my wife to return to Erie for a long weekend. Once she hears about the outlet stores, I suspect it won’t take much
persuasion.
