Lt. Governor Austin Davis and Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Seeger recognized local governments across the commonwealth for strengthening their communities and better serving Pennsylvanians with the 2024 Outstanding Local Government Governors Award. The staff were recognized for their dedication and efforts. The photos here are from the moment of the event.
PA (WTAJ) – Multiple municipalities and local government officials across Pennsylvania, including parts of Elk and Cambria counties, were recognized Wednesday.
Gov. Josh Shapiro, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, and Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger spoke at the 28th Annual Governor's Awards Ceremony for Strengthening Communities and Better Serving Our Residents. We recognized them for their dedication to providing…
The recognition, held annually on Pennsylvania Local Government Day, focuses on the commonwealth's need for strong, independent and active local government and recognizes the valuable contributions of residents who serve their communities.
The following local government officials were recognized.
- Melissa Komar, Executive Director, Johnstown Regional Sewer and Johnstown Redevelopment Authority – cambria county
- Preston Boop, County Commissioner – Union County
- John Jabrowski, Wilkes-Barre Township Councilman – Luzerne County
- Bruce Kohler, Lehigh County Allentown Parking Authority Finance Director and Deputy Director
- Ann Lewis, Tri-COG Land Bank Executive Director, Steel Rivers Council of Government Executive Director – Allegheny County
- Rebecca Ross, AICP, Delaware County Planning Department Principal Planner – Delaware County
- H. Scott Russell, East Hempfield Township, Lancaster County Township Supervisor
- Amy C. Seeley, Canton – Bradford County Borough Manager
- Derek Slaughter, Mayor of Williamsport – Lycoming County
The following municipalities, organizations and counties were recognized.
intergovernmental cooperation
- Johnsonburg Borough and Ridgway Borough – elk county
- Tarentum and Brackenridge Boroughs – Allegheny County
Building community partnerships
- Neighborworks Northeastern Pennsylvania and the City of Carbondale – Lackawanna County
Environmental wellness initiatives
- Pine Township – Lycoming County
Fiscal responsibility and best management practices
- City of Scranton – Lackawanna County
Health and Wellness Initiatives
- Greene County Welfare and Food Security Partnership/MAGIC – Greene County
Innovative community/government initiatives
- Central Keystone Council of Governments – Union County
- Dormont Borough – Allegheny County
- Mount Lebanon – Allegheny County
Innovative planning and sound land use practices
- East Cocalico Township – Lancaster County
Promotion of regional and economic revitalization
- Mayor Thomas Guzzo and New Kensington City Council – Westmoreland County
Responding to adversity
- Darlington Township – Beaver County
- West Reading Borough – Berks County
advancements in technology
- Middletown Township – Bucks County
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“During Local Government Week, we are honored to celebrate local officials and organizations across Pennsylvania who dedicate their time, effort, and passion to get things done and deliver real results for their communities. Our cities and municipalities are where the rubber meets the road, and our 2024 recipients have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, an ability to innovate, and an unwavering focus on making their communities better places.” Governor Josh Shapiro said. “From working directly with people in our communities to provide needed services, to answering calls for help at 911 dispatch centers, to helping our most vulnerable neighbors during difficult times, these awards Each of them has made a positive difference in Pennsylvania and the commonwealth, and we are proud to recognize their excellence.”