Westmoreland Review

Apr. 10, 2024

HARRISBURG - Local government leaders in the City of New Kensington have been honored with the 2024 Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence, as recognized by Rep. Jill Cooper (R-Westmoreland). Cooper expressed her agreement with the recognition, stating, “Mayor Tom Guzzo and the New Kensington City Council have been working hard to reinvent their great city and their efforts are easily seen.”

The award, offered through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, aims to acknowledge municipalities and local government officials for their contributions to strengthening their communities and enhancing services for residents. Mayor Guzzo and the city council were awarded in the category of Promoting Community/Economic Revitalization.

Highlighting the city's progress, Guzzo credited the success to partnerships with various entities, stating, “Our success has really been because of a series of partnerships between Penn State, Westmoreland County and the state, which have been instrumental with helping fund our redevelopment projects.” He also emphasized the role of private developers in the city's development.

Cooper further emphasized the positive impact of projects in New Kensington, noting, “Both large- and small-scale projects are making a big difference in New Ken and there is an air of optimism throughout the entire valley.” She celebrated the award as a testament to the promising future of the community.

Following the award ceremony, where New Kensington leaders were acknowledged for their excellence, they were also recognized on the floor of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.