Community Profile

Pledge Summary

Cheltenham Township, established in 1682 as part of Philadelphia County, PA, is proud of its 300+-year history. With its prominent Abolitionist leadership, including housing Camp William Penn for Colored Soldiers during the Civil War, its integrated residential setting, two Historic Districts and 8 properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, many of Cheltenham’s current population of approximately 38,000 host bumper stickers proudly claiming, “I Choose Cheltenham”. Also noted with that slogan, in addition to Historic and Diverse, are the descriptors: Creative, Progressive, and Green. Cheltenham Township is a First Class Township with a Home Rule Charter in Montgomery County, PA. The Township is home to five colleges/universities, a technical school, a thriving art center and an adult school organization. Volunteers serve through Friends groups to support a number of parks, community gardens, sports teams, and libraries. Hundreds of others serve on municipal and school committees and as firefighters. With 25 parks or public green spaces over our total 9 square miles, Cheltenham residents are happy to flock outdoors. The Township’s active Environmental Advisory Council continues to advocate for sustainable yards and practices, and Cheltenham was an early adopter of a Sustainability Plan, which was incorporated into our Comprehensive Plan document. Goals named in the Sustainability Plan include community engagement, ecological stewardship, sustainable development, and healthy living for all. As such, the Monarch Pledge fits well with the efforts already underway in Cheltenham to protect native habitats, reduce/reverse climate change, and engage the community toward a sustainable future. It is in this spirit that we sign onto the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge.