Douglas H. Palmer has served the public for nearly 30 years. He began as a Mercer County, NJ Freeholder. However, in ​1990 he made history as the first African American to lead Trenton, New Jersey. This memorable election paved the way ​for him serving the city for over 20 years as Mayor. His critical role in leading the Capital of New Jersey has made ​Douglas a consistent advisor to Mayors in the state and the nation. Palmer continues to provide mentorship and ​guidance including the Kennedy School at Harvard University for newly elected mayors throughout the country.

Beyond his role in local politics, Palmer rose to national leadership as the 65th President of The United States Conference ​of Mayors, was elected twice ( a 92 yr record ), and also served for 3 terms as President of the National Democratic ​Conference of Mayors. An organization which includes the Mayor of every major city in America. He continues to advise ​the conferences on critical issues, including serving as Co-Chair of the prestigious Business Council. He also has served on ​the Advisory Council of The U.S. Department of Homeland Security. His tenure at the U.S. Conference of Mayors included ​serving on the National Water Council, leading critical national initiatives with utility and energy companies. He has also ​represented several water and utility focused clients creating beneficial public-private partnerships, while facilitating ​technology support for energy enhancements across the country through strategic alliances, including his role in the ​successful ‘Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant’. Notably he chartered 'Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition' ​alongside NYC Mayor, Mike Bloomberg and Boston Mayor, Thomas Menino. As well as, Major League Baseball’s ‘Play Ball’ ​Initiative, a partnership between the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the MLB to reach youth. He has also been a ​contributor to the ‘Center for American Progress Action’, Bloomberg, and the Trentonian.

Since leaving his public offices, ‘Palmer Associates’ was established where Douglas H. Palmer serves as President. ​Palmer Associates (Douglas H. Palmer & Associates) specializes in Inter-Governmental Affairs Business Consulting. He ​also currently serves as President Emeritus of New Jersey Urban Mayors, the ‘Governors Appointment to the Delaware’, ​Chairman of the 'Trenton Literacy Movement' non-profit, as a Major League Baseball Consultant, and is on the Board of ​Directors for 'Children's Futures'. He has received several notable designations and awards including two Honorary ​Doctorate of Letters from Hampton + Rider Universities. His awards include ‘The Peace Medal’ from the State of Israel, ​the Equal Justice Medal from the LDNJ, a collegiate Baseball Hall of Fame induction and several more distinctions.

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