Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter was recently named as one of 14 new members of an organization called the NewDEAL (Developing Exceptional American Leaders), designed to identify and provide resources to state and local leaders identified as "rising stars."
Members of the network have been chosen from more than 2,000 nominations over NewDEAL’s 14 years, according to the organization. Slaughter joins current NewDEAL Leaders serving from Pennsylvania, including House Speaker Joanna McClinton, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, and Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti.
Past members have included U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, who joined as a mayor, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who joined as a County Commissioner.
"Becoming part of this network opens the door to more resources for Williamsport," Slaughter said. "The NewDEAL connects both elected and non-elected officials. They help you with solutions to tackle challenges, provide an advocacy team, and can help accelerate projects in the works already," he added, noting his excitement at the prospects that come with networking and collaboration.
NewDEAL members are recognized for their "forward-thinking approach and commitment to making government work to solve modern challenges," the news release said.
"Mayor Slaughter was selected to join NewDEAL because of his commitment to modernizing Williamsport's government to make it more responsive to the needs of residents, his work to channel new investments into the city, and his holistic approach to public safety. Mayor Slaughter exemplifies the type of public servant NewDEAL hopes to uplift — pragmatic, results-oriented elected officials dedicated to cutting through divisive political rhetoric to deliver for their constituents and make government work better," said Debbie Cox Bultan, CEO and co-founder of the NewDEAL Leaders.
Public safety improvements
The Williamsport Bureau of Police responds to over 12,000 calls per year, according to Assistant Chief of Police Jason Bolt. There’s “a visible rise” of calls and encounters with citizens who have mental illnesses and substance abuse issues, with one out of 10 calls involving a “serious mental illness,” he added.
NewDEAL members are recognized for their "forward-thinking approach and commitment to making government work to solve modern challenges," the news release said.
"Mayor Slaughter was selected to join NewDEAL because of his commitment to modernizing Williamsport's government to make it more responsive to the needs of residents, his work to channel new investments into the city, and his holistic approach to public safety. Mayor Slaughter exemplifies the type of public servant NewDEAL hopes to uplift — pragmatic, results-oriented elected officials dedicated to cutting through divisive political rhetoric to deliver for their constituents and make government work better," said Debbie Cox Bultan, CEO and co-founder of the NewDEAL Leaders.
Public safety improvements
The Williamsport Bureau of Police responds to over 12,000 calls per year, according to Assistant Chief of Police Jason Bolt. There’s “a visible rise” of calls and encounters with citizens who have mental illnesses and substance abuse issues, with one out of 10 calls involving a “serious mental illness,” he added.
Parks and recreation
Quality of life improvements for residents of Williamsport range from improving access to quality outdoor recreation and improving the housing outlook in the city.
Via DCNR grants and American Rescue Plan Act funds, the mayor has focused on improving parks and recreation opportunities throughout the city. In June of 2023, officials cut the ribbon on a newly redesigned and improved Lose park. Upgrades included a resurfaced basketball court and new hoops, disability-accessible playground equipment, new sidewalks, and upgraded lighting.
"I don't think you can overstate the importance that parks and recreation and open spaces play in the community," Slaughter told the community.
Additionally, a $9,500 contribution from the U.S. Air Force went toward the purchase of the new basketball hoops for three city parks, including Memorial, Shaw, and Young's Woods Parks. Baseball fields in Brandon Park were overhauled in collaboration with Lycoming College.
The mayor encourages residents to participate in a survey for the future of recreation in the city. Called "the Parks Plan," the survey will help form a ten-year plan for improving Williamsport's parks. The survey and more information about the plan are here.
Addressing blight
The Williamsport Redevelopment Authority (RDA) was given authority over the Land Bank in 2021, receiving $2 million to address blighted properties in the city. The mayor pointed out properties, including one on Mosser Avenue, that was recently rehabilitated, and another abandoned and dilapidated home on Park Avenue that is being demolished to make room for other single-family housing.
"We don't want vacant properties," Slaughter said. "We'd like to return housing back to the tax rolls."
The city did earmark $1.4 million of ARPA funds to help develop a multi-use project on Basin Street in an effort to revitalize Williamsport's "Old City," a project between Lycoming College and Pine Ridge Construction. That project, however, has stalled.
"City Council has not taken any action on that as of yet," Slaughter said. "ARPA funds have to reallocated by end of this year," he added, and all ARPA funds must be spent by December 2026. If that project is not restarted in time, Slaughter said they'll have to reallocate those dollars to a different project, though one has not yet been designated.
NewDEAL and future implications
According to the organization, NewDEAL Leaders have found broad support for their work across red, blue, and purple states and cities, with more than 20 rising to higher office in the past few years.
Slaughter said he has been congratulated by members of government and the community from both sides of the aisle.
As far as rising beyond mayor to new positions? "I'm laser-focused on Williamsport," Slaughter said. "I have no idea what the future holds. Seven or eight years ago, if someone suggested I would be mayor, I might have thought they were crazy. I was a teacher and coach! And Williamsport has a lot of good energy right now, so I'm just focused on that."
The organization said they help leaders make connections, talk about legislation, and network. The leadership development opportunities, and communications, legislation, and policy training, are invauable, Slaughter said.
NewDEALers’ next major convening will take place at the 2024 Leaders Conference, November 20-22 in Washington, D.C., where about 70 members will join other innovators from the public and private sectors to discuss a forward-looking agenda for state and local Democrats to address the biggest challenges facing our country, including A.I., housing, education, climate change, and threats to democracy, a press release said.
"I look forward to sharing lessons with and learning from other leaders who are setting the standard for effective governance, and I am excited to be part of NewDEAL’s efforts to expand opportunities for Americans in communities nationwide,” Slaughter said.
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