Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski announced today that he is resigning effective 5pm on Friday, March 9, 2018. The announcement came at a mid-afternoon news conference in front of the mayor’s home.

Pawlowski has served as the city’s mayor since January 2006. He presided over a period of unprecedented growth spurred by the state’s enactment of a Neighborhood Improvement Zone. He had been elected to a new four-year term last November.

The mayor’s resignation comes one week after a federal court jury returned a guilty verdict on 47-counts in an alleged pay-to-play scheme.

Pawlowski said, "to the residents of Allentown, I am so very sorry that you and this city have had to endure this long saga.  To those who supported me and voted for me during this difficult time, know I will be forever grateful for you not just standing with me….but also praying with me and supporting me and my family through this long ordeal."

Pawlowski has said he will appeal. He remains free pending sentencing.

According to the city’s Home Rule Charter, City Council President Roger MacLean will take over as mayor for up to 30 days to give council an opportunity to choose a new mayor who will serve until city voters select someone in November 2019 to fill Pawlowski’s unexpired term.

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