From staff reports
Franklin Mayor Doug Baker was elected president of the Pennsylvania Municipal League during the association’s annual business meeting, which was held last weekend in Bethlehem in conjunction with the Municipal Leadership Summit.
The mission of the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization is to strengthen, empower and advocate for effective local government, according to a league news release.
Baker has been a member of the organization’s board of directors, serving first as Northwest District officer in 2012, Legislative Committee co-chair in 2020 and second vice president in 2022. He most recently served as first vice president from October 2022 to October 2023.
“I would like to commend The League staff, board of directors and membership for their efforts to better serve the communities we represent, and I thank you all for the opportunity to continue my service over the coming year.”
League Executive Director John Brenner pointed to Baker’s “solid background” in public safety and said, “As our new president, his extensive experience in local government and his active engagement with The League will help steer our association forward through our advocacy, training and member services.”
Baker’s work in public service began more than four decades ago when he pursued a career as a police officer.
As a public safety officer, he maintained certifications as a police officer and emergency medical technician. He also was trained as a firefighter.
In 2004, he was appointed to a vacant Franklin City Council seat and continued to serve on council until he was elected mayor in 2009.
He was sworn into office in January 2010 and is now in the second year of his fourth term.
During his mayoral term — together with council, city staff and community-minded volunteers — Baker has seen Franklin named a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists; designated as a Trail Town along the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail; the downtown portion of main street designated as a Great Place in America by the American Planning Association; development of a comprehensive bicycle/pedestrian plan to connect the business district to the recreational trails and surrounding neighborhoods (implementation remains a work in progress.); and development of an “Always Eventful” community mindset and many year-round events.
The League, established in 1900 as an advocate for Pennsylvania’s third class cities, today represents Pennsylvania cities, boroughs, townships and home rule communities that all share their municipal policy interests.
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.
