Working for Ward 5:

Steady Leadership, Shared Goals

Since 2021, I’ve had the honor of serving as Commissioner for Haverford Township’s 5th Ward — a vibrant and engaged community that includes Coopertown, Brynford, Merion Golf Club, and key institutions like Haverford College, Ss. Colman and John Neumann, Haverford Friends, and Coopertown Elementary. We’re also fortunate to be home to several of the Township’s most beloved green spaces, including Elwell Field, Highland Park, Preston Field, and the Polo Field.

I believe in practical, people-first leadership — rooted in communication, community input, and real results. A few recent highlights from my time in office include:

  • Securing Township ownership of the Polo Field and helping to deliver $275,000 in new community improvements in 2023

  • Advancing traffic safety in the Brynford neighborhood through a grant-funded study and support for new interventions

  • Championing the expansion and renovation of the Haverford Township Free Library, which reopened in May 2025

  • Keeping residents informed and involved through regular email newsletters, neighborhood walks, town halls, and prompt constituent support

Whether it's improving walkability, protecting public parks, or expanding access to Township services, I work every day to ensure Ward 5 is a safe, welcoming, and forward-looking place to live.

About Laura

Laura Cavender was re-elected in 2023 to a second term as 5th Ward Commissioner in Haverford Township. Her leadership centers on equity, sustainability, and smart, community-focused investment in Township resources that serve all residents.

A former member of the Haverford Township Human Relations Commission, Laura brings decades of professional experience in public service and strategic communications. She has worked as a journalist, speechwriter, and communications advisor to universities and nonprofits across the country.

Originally from southern Missouri, Laura moved to Philadelphia in 2009 to join the University of Pennsylvania, and before that held senior communications roles at Georgetown University, where she earned her master’s degree in 2004. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Missouri.

Laura lives in Ardmore and is a committed advocate for inclusive, walkable, and family-friendly communities

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