Montco Commissioner Lawrence Earns National Recognition

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — Montgomery County Commissioner Ken Lawrence has been honored with a national award recognizing future progressive leaders from around the country.

Lawrence was one of 19 state and local leaders nationwide named to the NewDEAL (Developing Exceptional American Leaders). The group cited Lawerence's work on fair housing, election security, education improvement, and infrastructure over his four years in office.

“We are in a unique moment for state and local leaders," Lawrence said in acknowledging the award. "As we must find solutions for the urgent challenges created by COVID-19 while not losing focus on longer-term issues that will also affect Montgomery’s economic security for decades to come."

The group also pointed to Lawrence's climate work, as the county works to achieve 100 percent renewable energy.

NewDEAL is made up of some 200 members, chosen from more than 1,650 nominations over the past 10 years. They're focused on using national networking to enact progressive solutions at the local level.

“I look forward to sharing lessons with and learning from other leaders who are setting the standard for effective governance," Lawrence added. "And I am excited to be part of NewDEAL’s efforts to expand opportunities for Americans in communities nationwide.”

Some other members of the group include Congressional representatives or candidates like Marilyn Strickland in Washington, Greg Stanton in Arizona, and Jennifer Wexton in Virginia, as well as new Mayors in cities like Dallas, Phoenix, Boise, Kansas City, and Montgomery, Alabama.