Carnegie’s newest mayor is also its youngest.

Sam Bigham was 23 when he was sworn in by District Judge Jack Kobistek on Jan. 5 in council chambers. Bigham is the youngest mayor in borough history and is believed to be the youngest mayor currently in Pennsylvania.

“I want to be able to inspire people and get more people involved,” he said. “I believe in Carnegie.”

Despite his young age, Bigham is no stranger to government.

He works part time as executive director of the Carnegie Community Development Corporation, where he interacts with business owners, community members and volunteers to promote Carnegie and host events, such as the Carnegie Crawl and farmers markets. He plans to continue working there while serving as mayor.

Bigham earned bachelor’s degrees in history and political science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania; has volunteered and interned for Carnegie Borough; volunteered for the Carnegie Historical Society; and interned for state Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Kennedy, and U.S. Rep. Lou Correa, D-California.

Bigham is working toward a master’s degree in public policy and management from Carnegie Mellon University.

His family also has deep roots in Carnegie. The first council president in 1894 was a Bigham; and Bigham’s great-grandfather owned a restaurant in Carnegie called Bigham’s Diner.

Bigham’s great-great-grandfather, George Faunce, was president of Carnegie National Bank, now Citizens Bank.

“I grew up around local elected officials, and I have always had an interest in government and public sector work,” Bigham said. “By the time I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to work in public service.”

Bigham is a 2020 graduate of Carlynton High School. He is encouraged by Carnegie’s assets, including a good Main Street business district, community events like the Carnegie Crawl and markets, and its less than 6-mile proximity to Downtown Pittsburgh.

“I think this is a place a lot of people want to move to,” he said. “We have a lot of businesses that contribute to a vibrant Main Street.”

But there is more work to be done, Bigham said. He plans to target vacant storefronts and blighted properties and bring more investment into town.

Bigham hopes his age will bring a younger perspective to council. He said he has known most council members for years and anticipates a good working relationship with them.

“I want us all to be able to work together to have a complete perspective and serve everyone in town,” Bigham said.

Also Jan. 5, Kobistek gave the oath of office to newly elected council members Phil Boyd, Keira Canan and Richard D’Loss.

Boyd was named council president and Sue Demko was named vice president.

Council reappointed Nate Boring as solicitor, KLH Engineers as the borough’s engineer, Jordan Tax Service as tax collection firm, and Hosack, Specht, Muetzel and Wood, LLP as auditor.