The Local Government Program provides administrative assistance for the Berks County Cooperative Purchasing Council. The 23 current members (10 townships, 10 boroughs, the City of Reading, the County of Berks and the Berks County Intermediate Unit) are working together to reduce costs and to share information and expertise.

In 1999-2000, in addition to jointly purchasing unleaded gasoline, rock salt, and office supplies, the Council convened local municipalities to discuss the joint acquisition of health insurance. This effort resulted in 27 municipalities with a total of almost 500 employees joining together to establish the Berks County Muncipal Insurance Group.

The cost savings for local municipalities from these joint efforts have been significant in some cases. One township saved over $10,000 in gasoline costs while another community reduced its health insurance premiums by $30,000.