CRANBERRY TWP — The township has been designated as a Banner Community by the Allegheny County League of Municipalities for the fifth year in a row.

The banner program recognizes municipalities in Allegheny County and some neighboring communities that are committed to professional development, prudent fiscal management, transparency, accountability and proactive communications.

Dick Hadley, chairman of the board of supervisors, said Cranberry is proud to carry the banner community distinction.

“The banner designation honors communities that distinguish themselves by down-to-earth pragmatism and professional competence,” Hadley said. “Not only are banner communities different than municipalities where decisions are based on local politics, they also avoid the sort of ideological grandstanding that has paralyzed our federal government.”

The Allegheny League of Municipalities, a nonprofit founded to coordinate the needs of local elected officials, started the banner community program in 2012.

Cranberry and Butler Township are the communities outside of Allegheny County to have received the recognition. This year 51 municipalities received the designation.

“They are the best of the best and are to be commended for all they do on behalf of the residents,” said Allegheny County Manager William McKain.