Harrisburg, PA (April 22nd, 2026) The Pennsylvania Municipal League proudly recognizes the exemplary work of its member municipalities in projects that benefit their communities. The Centre Region Council of Governments (COG), the City of DuBois, and Pittston’s Northeast Pennsylvania Land Bank were all presented with 2026 Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence.
The COG is a voluntary association consisting of six member municipalities in Centre County: the State College Borough and the townships of College, Ferguson, Halfmoon, Harris, and Patton. The COG won the Governor’s Fiscal Accountability and Best Management Practices Award for creating a Strategic Guide to Services and Investments. Their report is transparent and easily understandable, improving clarity, coordination, and financial planning across the organization.
City of DuBois, in Clearfield County, won the Governor’s Responding to Adversity Award for their consolidation with Sandy Township. This consolidation was the largest of its kind in Pennsylvania, and local leaders showed exceptional leadership in guiding their communities through this demanding transition.
City of Pittston and the Northeast Pennsylvania (NEPA) Land Bank won the Governor’s Award for Innovative Community/Governmental Initiatives. This collaboration is an innovative approach to affordable housing. The project is an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement between the City of Pittston, Pittston Housing Authority, the NEPA Land Bank, and Cornerstone Building Solutions.
“Local government leaders roll up their sleeves and work diligently every day to make their communities better.” said John Brenner, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Municipal League. “They solve real problems and make a difference in the lives of community residents. The League is honored to help amplify their recent outstanding accomplishments as the Commonwealth recognizes and awards their innovation, creativity, and resilience.”
The Pennsylvania Municipal League has a long history of advocacy, education, and support for local municipalities. The League currently has 164 member municipalities representing Pennsylvania cities, boroughs, townships, and home rule communities that all share their municipal policy interests. 2026 Legislative Priorities include municipal financing, community development & infrastructure, and public safety. The Board of Directors oversees the administration of a wide array of municipal services including legislative advocacy (on both the state and federal levels), publications designed to educate and inform, inquiry and research, education and training certification programs, consulting-based programs, and group insurance trusts.
Media organizations can find fact sheets and pre-recorded statements and explanations of legislative priority issues from The League Executive Staff in our Media Center on our website https://www.pml.org/media-center/
CONTACT: Susan Schrack Wood, Pennsylvania Municipal League, 717-236-9469, ext. *223 swood@pml.org
The Pennsylvania Municipal League strengthens and empowers effective local government through advocacy, education, and support for our members. The League is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that offers a wide array of municipal services including legislative advocacy, publications, education/training, consulting-based programs, and group insurance trusts. For more about the Pennsylvania Municipal League, please visit PML.org. Join the conversation on X, facebook.com/PaMunicipalLeague and LinkedIn. #StrengthThroughEngagement