State College Borough's mission is to enhance the quality of life by fostering a safe, vibrant, diverse, and sustainable community, by providing quality, innovative, cost effective services; and by allocating resources efficiently with professionalism, integrity, transparency, and accountability. The Manager, Thomas J. Fountaine, II, is appointed by Council and serves as the chief executive officer of the Borough. The Manager and Assistant Borough Secretary provide direct support for Council. The general administration staff also includes the Assistant Borough Manager, Human Resources Director, Purchasing/Risk Management Director, Neighborhood Services Coordinator, Communications and Grants Coordinator, and two Staff Assistants. The general administration staff is charged to provide support for all Borough operating departments and general management of the day-to-day operations. The Borough's operating departments include Finance, Information Technology, Ordinance Enforcement & Public Health, Parking, Police, Planning & Community Development, Public Works, and Tax. State College residents also receive services from the Centre Region Council of Governments, which oversees building code enforcement, library services, parks and recreation services, and regional planning; as well as Alpha Fire Company, Centre Area Transportation Authority, Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority, State College Water Authority, and University Area Joint Authority.