City of Binghamton Receives NYCOM Local Government Achievement Award for Railroad Bridge Improvements

The New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) has selected the City of Binghamton as a winner of NYCOM's Local Government Achievement Award for 2025. The city was recognized for its Railroad Bridge Improvement Project, a strategic infrastructure project that tackled decades of neglect and prompted millions of dollars in private-sector repairs without placing the burden on local taxpayers.

In commenting on the award, NYCOM President RuthAnn Loveless, Mayor of the Village of Hamilton, stated "The City of Binghamton's creative and comprehensive approach to improving infrastructure is truly commendable. By documenting unsafe and unsightly conditions and holding private companies accountable, Binghamton has improved quality of life for residents while protecting the public interest. I commend Mayor Kraham and his team for their leadership and tenacity."

After years of resident complaints and little action from railroad companies, the City took the unprecedented step of hiring an engineering firm to inspect all 25 railroad bridges in Binghamton. The resulting 914-page report, which found widespread deterioration and safety concerns, was shared with federal regulators and lawmakers, leading Norfolk Southern to commit to major repairs. That effort has already led to visible improvements, including the completed rehabilitation of the Glenwood Avenue bridge, with additional upgrades to follow in the years ahead at no cost to taxpayers.

This is the second time the City of Binghamton has received the Local Government Achievement Award since 2023, when the city was recognized for its Affordable Homes Program.

The 2025 award will be presented on May 29^th at NYCOM's Annual Meeting in Bolton Landing. NYCOM represents 578 cities and villages in New York State and has been in existence since 1910.