About City Council

City Council focuses on the long-range vision for the community, establishing policies that affect the overall operation of the city.

 

Committee Meetings

Committee meetings are work sessions for Council to receive and review information regarding actions that will be before them at regular meetings. Since no action is taken at these meetings, public comment is generally not accepted. Committee meetings are generally held on the first Monday of each month, with the exception of some holidays, at 6:00 p.m.

 

Regular Meetings

Regular meetings are meetings where Council takes official action on proposed resolutions and legislation. Regular meetings are generally held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, with the exception of some holidays, at 6:30 p.m.

 

Any additional, rescheduled, or special meetings of City Council will be advertised accordingly.

 

Check the City of Lancaster calendar for the complete list of City Council meetings.

Legislative Department

Bernie Harris
City Clerk
bharris@cityoflancasterpa.gov
(717) 291-4785

 

Register for Public Comment

 

City of Lancaster Calendar

Public Comment

Public comment is intended to be an opportunity for the public to address Council and should not be expected to be a discussion or debate. Please refer to Council Resolution No. 30-2015 regarding public comment during regular Council meetings. Note, public comment is generally not taken during Council’s monthly committee or work session meetings.

All public comments may be no longer than three (3) minutes in length.

Register for Public Comment

ADA Accommodations

All meeting locations are accessible to persons with physical disabilities. Any person with a disability who will require an accommodation of some type while attending any of these public meetings should notify the City’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/Section 504 Compliance Coordinator at least 48 hours in advance of each meeting so that the appropriate accommodation can be arranged.

Language Access

To request free interpretation services in any language, including ASL, please make your request at least 5 days before the meeting date by calling 717-517-5738. Be sure to include your full name, language requested, email address, and phone number with your request.

The Office of Language Services will attempt to secure an interpreter from a local professional service agency. The Office of Language Services will contact you with more information once an interpreter has been confirmed for the requested meeting.

City Council Members

Amanda Bakay

President
abakay@cityoflancasterpa.gov

Began on City Council: January 2020

Current term ending: January 2028

Occupation: Director of Programs and Communications, Lancaster Science Factory

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

Council Activities:
Chair of the Committee of the Whole
Ex-officio member of all standing Council Committees

Ahmed Ahmed

Councilor
aahmed@cityoflancasterpa.gov

Began on City Council: December 2022

Current term ending: January 2026

Occupation: Hotel Assistant General Manager

Education: Hempfield High School, attended Howard University

Council Activities:
Chair, Economic Development Committee
Member, Personnel and Public Safety Committees

Jaime Arroyo

Vice President
jarroyo@cityoflancasterpa.gov

Began on City Council: January 2020

Current term ending: January 2028

Occupation: CEO at ASSETS

Education: J. P. McCaskey High School
Bachelor’s degree, Millersville University
M.B.A., Drexel University

Council Activities:
Chair, Finance Committee
Member, Community Planning and Public Safety Committees

Lochard Calixte

Councilor
localixte@cityoflancasterpa.gov

Began on City Council: January 2022

Current term ending: January 2026

Occupation: Banker

Education: Millersville University (US), Harrisburg Area Community College (US), IPN/ESCA Graduate School (Mexico), EPED University / Graduate Studies of Law (Mexico), State University of Haiti / Jacmel Law School

Council Activities:
Chair, Personnel Committee
Member, Community Planning and Public Works Committees

Faith Craig

Councilor
fcraig@cityoflancasterpa.gov

Began on City Council: January 2018

Current term ending: January 2026

Occupation: Business owner

Education: School District of Lancaster; ASSETS Lancaster business management program; Cosmetology instructor.

Council Activities:
Chair, Community Planning Committee
Member, Economic Development and Finance Committees

Janet Diaz

Councilor
jdiaz@cityoflancasterpa.gov

Began on City Council: January 2018

Current term ending: January 2026

Occupation: Stroke registrar

Education: Graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School and Associate’s Degree, Thompson Institute; attend Lancaster Bible College

Council Activities:
Chair, Public Safety Committee
Member, Finance and Public Works Committees

John Hursh

Councilor
jhursh@cityoflancasterpa.gov

Began on City Council: January 2024

Term Ending: January 2028

Occupation: Finance and Administration Manager

Education: Lancaster Mennonite High School, Penn State University

Council Activities:
Chair, Public Works Committee
Member, Economic Development and Personnel Committees