Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger recognized Pennsylvania municipalities and local government officials for their dedication to strengthening their communities and better serving their residents during the 29th Annual Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence.
In total, three counties, six municipalities, one organization, and nine individuals from across the Commonwealth were recognized at today’s ceremony for excellent service.
The annual awards ceremony coincides with Pennsylvania Local Government Day, which focuses attention on the need for strong, independent, and active local government in the Commonwealth and celebrates the valuable contributions made by residents serving their communities.
“In this moment – when it feels like the very concept of public service is under attack – it’s important to celebrate the dedicated individuals who are working, day in and day out, at the local level to make Pennsylvania’s communities safer, healthier and more vibrant,” said Lt. Gov. Austin Davis.
DCED’s Governor’s Center for Local Government Services sponsors Local Government Day annually to honor local governments and officials who serve their communities and improve their quality of life.
The following local government officials were recognized:
- Dennis R. Arthur, Sr., Commissioner, Tinicum Township – Delaware County
- Tammy Firda, Council Member, Lincoln Borough, and President, Steel Rivers COG – Allegheny County
- Steven D. Hess, Sr., Supervisor, North Centre Township – Columbia County
- Judith Kording, Assistant Manager, Shaler Township – Allegheny County
- Centrice Martin, Manager, Ferguson Township – Centre County
- Zachary Norwood, Planning Director – Crawford County
- William Ross, Administrator, Lower Saucon Authority – Northampton County
- Diane Schaefer, Borough Manager, Youngwood Township – Westmoreland County
- Lori Vargo Haffner, County Commissioner – Northampton County
The following counties, municipalities, and organizations were recognized:
- Building Community Partnerships
Wright Township – Luzerne County
- Fiscal Accountability and Best Management Practices
City of Lancaster Home Rule Study Commission – Lancaster County
- Fiscal Accountability and Best Management Practices
Local Government Academy – Allegheny County
- Health and Wellness Initiatives
Indiana County Office of Planning and Development – Indiana County
- Innovative Community/Governmental Initiatives
Milton Borough – Northumberland County
- Innovative Planning and Sound Land Use Practices
City of Saint Marys – Elk County
- Intergovernmental Cooperation
Westmoreland County Department of Planning and Development – Westmoreland County
- Promoting Community/Economic Revitalization
Pocono Township – Monroe County
- Responding to Adversity
Tioga County – Tioga County
- Technology Advancements
Borough of Donora – Washington County
In addition to the annual awards, the City of Scranton was also presented with the 2024 DCED ‘Secretary’s Award for Municipal Excellence.’ The City has distinguished itself through a concerted effort to enhance quality of life by cultivating community partnerships, by achieving an investment-grade credit rating, cutting red tape to encourage business development and entrepreneurship, and investing over $5 million in small business programs to boost wages and retain talent. Representatives of the City of Scranton on hand to receive the award are pictured in the photo above on the right.
“Scranton’s forward momentum perfectly illustrates the spirit of this award – highlighting municipalities where everyone works together to help the place that they call home reach its full potential,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger.
