Bala Cynwyd is part of Lower Merion Township.
Lower Merion Township was first settled in 1682 by Welsh Quakers who were granted a tract of land by William Penn. In 1713, Lower Merion was established as an independent Township with about 52 landholders and tenants. In 1900, the Township was incorporated as a Township of the First Class.

The Township is committed to preserving the beauty and character of Lower Merion's natural and man-made resources. Lower Merion boasts a comprehensive array of playgrounds, swimming pools, picnic areas, and nature parks on over 25 facilities which encompass more than 665 acres. Playgrounds are equipped with facilities for tennis, baseball, softball, soccer and basketball. The Township also offers supervised recreation programs during the summer and winter months.

Lower Merion is community characterized by a deep sense of civic pride and involvement. Over 18 business and civic associations provide an opportunity for residents to participate in their community. In addition, the Township maintains a "Community Resources Leadership Bank" of citizens interested in serving on one of the many appointed Township Boards or Commissions.

Located in the heart of the "Main Line," the Township is a first ring suburban community bordering the City of Philadelphia. The community is served by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) as well as Amtrak passenger service. The nearest major airport, Philadelphia International, is about 30 minutes by car, and can be accessed by SEPTA. Lower Merion is the largest of the 62 municipalities located within Montgomery County. The township is 23.64 square miles. The Township has a median housing value of more than $280,000 and a median family income of over $80,000, the highest in the County.

Excellent educational opportunities, two respected hospitals, convenient shopping and dining establishments and a plenitude of open space all within its borders, make Lower Merion Township one of the most desirable communities in which to live and work.

The Government: Operating under the council-manager form of government, Lower Merion Township is governed by a fourteen member Board of Commissioners. Members are elected by ward to serve overlapping terms of four years. The Board of Commissioners is the legislative body responsible for the overall policies and direction of the Township, enacting ordinances and resolutions within the guidelines of the First Class Township Code. The Board also appoints the Township Manager, Chief Executive Officer who oversees the day-to-day operation of the Township.

The Township organization has fourteen departments, all headed by experienced career professionals selected by the Township Manager strictly on the basis of merit and ability to perform the required responsibilities. These departments provide an extensive array of services to Township residents including police and fire protection, refuse and recycling collection and disposal, parks maintenance, recreation activities, building and planning services, community development programs, public health services, and public works services as well as access to six public libraries.