Scranton received a state award Wednesday in Harrisburg for excellence in local government for economic, community and financial achievements.
Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti and several other city officials attended the 2025 Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence in Harrisburg to receive the second annual state Department of Community and Economic Development’s Secretary’s Award for Municipal Excellence.
Scranton on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 in Harrisburg received the second annual state Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary’s Award for Municipal Excellence during the 2025 Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence. From left: Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Deputy Director of Recovery Larry West, who is a former Scranton city business administrator; Scranton Councilman Bill King; city Police Chief Thomas Carroll; PA DCED Deputy Secretary Richard Vilello; city I.T. Director Jack Reager; city Fire Chief John Judge; city Parks and Recreation Director Steve Heintz; Scranton Council President Gerald Smurl; city DPW Director Scott Gassenmeyer; city Department of Economic and Community Development Director Sherry Frable; city Business Administrator Eileen Cipriani; city H.R. Director Kaylee Pikulski; city Solicitor Jessica Eskra; Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti; PA DCED Director Rick Siger; and PA Governor’s Center for Local Government Services Executive Director Kathy Wyrosdick. (PHOTO PROVIDED / COURTESY OF PAIGE COGNETTI)
DCED Secretary Rick Siger presented the award. The award description said: Under Cognetti’s leadership, Scranton has “set the standard for downtown and neighborhood revitalization efforts with projects that celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage while embracing the modern economy and positioning the city for future success.”
Examples cited of the city’s “forward-thinking community and economic development practices” include the restoration of the historic Scranton Electric Building into the new headquarters of Fidelity Bank, and the conversion of the former Scranton Lace Factory into a vibrant mixed-use development.
Gov. Josh Shapiro, backed by Fidelity Bank executives and local legislatures, speaks in the Electric City Building in Scranton Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
James LockwoodThe twin gabled, eight story Scranton Electric Building on Linden Ave., built in 1896, will serve as Fidelity Bank’s headquarters upon completion of its renovation.
A sign of the former Scranton Lace Company is above the entrance to Lace Village Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
An aerial view of Lace Village in Scranton Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The city has also prioritized upgrades to its neighborhood parks in recent years and has implemented “robust fiscal management practices” that resulted in a significant bond rating increase that reflects the city’s improved financial health.
“These successes are attributable to the exceptional leadership of the mayor and city council, strong partnerships with community groups, real estate developers and business leaders, and the dedication of the city’s first-class staff — including its police officers, firefighters, public works, and administrative support teams,” the award narrative said. “With continued collaboration across public, private and civic partners, Scranton’s future is bright as it builds a better, more inclusive economy and improves the quality of life for all residents who call the Electric City home.”
2025 PA Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence program page 16, Scranton received the second annual PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Secretary’s Award for Municipal Excellence award. (IMAGE SCREEN GRAB / PA DCED WEBSITE)
2025 PA Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence program page 17, Scranton received the second annual PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Secretary’s Award for Municipal Excellence award. (IMAGE SCREEN GRAB / PA DCED WEBSITE)
Cognetti said in a statement: “This recognition is validation of the incredible amount of work our team has put into making Scranton a wonderful place to live, work, study and retire. We are honored by Secretary Siger’s recognition of the City’s continued progress toward financial stability, economic growth and business investment, rich community partnerships and overall improved quality of life for our residents.”
Other city officials attending the event included council President Gerald Smurl, Councilman Bill King, Police Chief Thomas Carroll, Fire Chief John Judge, Business Administrator Eileen Cipriani, Solicitor Jessica Eskra, DPW Director Scott Gassenmeyer, HR Director Kaylee Pikulski, IT Director Jack Reager, Parks and Recreation Director Steve Heintz, and Department of Economic and Community Development Director Sherry Frable.