Lou Barletta was elected to Hazleton City Council in 1998, and became mayor in 2000. He inherited a massive budget shortfall, and was able to turn the city of Hazleton around with tough prudent financial decisions, earning statewide praise and recognition. He now leads Hazleton through one of the most impressive revitalizations in regional history.

In September, 2004, Mayor Barletta was appointed by the White House to serve as a member of the United Nation Advisory Committee of Local Authorities representing the United States of America. In February, 2006, Mayor Barletta was appointed to serve on the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities Legislative Committee. Also in February, 2006, Mayor Barletta was appointed to serve on the Republican National Committee Chairman’s Advisory Committee on Catholic Outreach. Mayor Barletta is on the National Board of Advisors of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, (FAIR). He also is a Board Member of the Northeast District of the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, and is a member of the Advisory Board of the Luzerne County Community College. In 2008, he was named “Mayor of the Year” by the Pennsylvania State Mayor’s Association.

On January 5, 2010, he was sworn in as the Representative of the 11th Congressional District of Pennsylvania.