What We Do
City Council focuses on the long-range vision for the community, establishing policies that affect the overall operation of the city.
Virtual Meetings
Through December 31, 2020, City Council of the City of Lancaster will conduct all of its regularly scheduled meetings, special meetings and committee meetings virtually rather than meeting in person. The virtual meetings will be broadcast on YouTube at www.youtube.com/c/cityoflancasterpagov.
How to Make Public Comment
In order to make public comment, you will need to join the meeting via Zoom video conferencing or by phoning into the Zoom meeting. See below for details on how to join the Zoom meeting.
There are three opportunities to make public comment during a City Council meeting.
1. During Agenda Item VI. This public comment period is reserved for citizens who have contacted the City Clerk prior to the meeting to request the opportunity to address City Council. Duration of comments limited to three minutes. Complete the form at www.cityoflancasterpa.com/public-comment to arrange to make public comment. Please indicate if you will be joining the Zoom meeting to make comment, or if you’re submitting comments to be read by the City Clerk. All requests for public comment under Agenda Item VI must be submitted by 5 p.m. on the day of the meeting.
2. During Agenda Item X. This Public Comment period is open for those who did not contact the City Clerk in advance and would like to comment on an issue NOT on the agenda. Duration of comments is limited to three minutes.
3. You may comment on a specific agenda item when prompted to do so by the Council President. Duration of comment is limited to three minutes.
Video conferencing audience: To make a comment, use the “raise your hand” feature when prompted to do so by Council President. When called upon, state your name, address, and then your comments. Comments should be limited to three minutes.
Phone-in audience: To make a comment, dial *9 when prompted to do so by Council President. When called upon by your phone number, state your name, address, and then your comments. Comments should be limited to three minutes. Please note that if you choose to call in to make public comment, your phone number will be public.
Zoom Info
The information below will be used for all City Council committee and regular meetings until further notice.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/93589140977?pwd=U1E0R0U5WDJUdkNwdmdrSlY3OVhUUT09
Passcode: 341818
Or iPhone one-tap :
US: +13126266799,,93589140977#,,,,,,0#,,341818# or +19294362866,,93589140977#,,,,,,0#,,341818#
Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 436 2866 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782
Webinar ID: 935 8914 0977
Passcode: 341818
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/abHdD18Fpq
Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities
All 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 ADA/Section 504 Compliance Coordinator at least 48 hours in advance of each meeting so that the appropriate accommodation can be arranged.
ANY ADDITIONAL RESCHEDULED OR SPECIAL MEETINGS OF CITY COUNCIL WILL BE ADVERTISED ACCORDINGLY.
Upcoming Events
City Council Members
Ismail Smith Wade-El
Began on City Council: January 2018
Current term ending: January 2022
Occupation: grant writer/researcher
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Carnegie Mellon University
Council activities: Ad hoc member of all committees, chair of the committee of the whole.
Community activities: Lancaster Branch NAACP Executive Board Member, Lancaster County Council of Churches Board of Directors Member, Crispus Attucks Community Center Board Member. Member, Global Shapers. Member, Lancaster Young Professionals.
Jaime Arroyo
Began on City Council: January 2020
Current term ending: January 2024
Occupation: Associate at Work Wisdom
Education: J. P. McCaskey High School; Bachelor’s degree, Millersville University; M.B.A., Drexel University
Council activities: Lancaster Recreation Commission
Council activities: Board member, SACA Development; Board member, Tabor; member of Global Shapers
Amanda Bakay
Began on City Council: January 2020
Current term ending: January 2024
Occupation: Director of Operations, Lancaster Science Factory
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
Council activities: Human Relations Commission Board of Directors; Lancaster Office of Promotion board member
Faith Craig
Began on City Council: January 2018
Current term ending: January 2022
Occupation: Business owner
Education: School District of Lancaster; ASSETS Lancaster business management program; Cosmetology instructor.
Council activities: Chairwoman of the City Council Economic Development & Neighborhood Revitalization Committee, member of the Public Safety and Public Works committees.
Community activities: Judge of Elections, Poll Clerk, former member of the Lancaster City Planning Commission.
Janet Diaz
Began on City Council: January 2018
Current term ending: January 2022
Occupation: Stroke registrar
Education: Graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School and Associate’s Degree, Thompson Institute; attend Lancaster Bible College
Council activities: Chairwoman of the City Council Personnel Committee, member of the Public Works and Finance committees.
Community activities: YMCA sexual assault advocate; church Sunday School teacher, choir member, finance assistant and visited the sick and elderly in hospitals and nursing homes; volunteer at Heart Walk and at Crispus Attucks Community Center events; member of the Latino Caucus of Lancaster County; campaign volunteer.
Xavier Garcia-Molina
Began on City Council: January 2020
Current term ending: January 2024
Occupation: Community Prevention Mobilizer, Compass Mark
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Pennsylvania State University
Community activities: Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition Board Member; Commissioner for the Governor’s Commission on LGBTQ Affairs; LOHF Committee Member; Community Police Working Group Member
Pete Soto
Began on City Council: January 2014
Current term ending: January 2022
Occupation: Inventory Clerk
Education: J.P. McCaskey High School (1978)
Council activities: Chairman of the City Council Public Safety Committee; member of the Community Development & Planning and Personnel Planning committees; member of the Lancaster Recreation Commission Board of Directors and Lancaster City Traffic Commission.