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.
Resources
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.
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 emailing citylanguageaccess@cityoflancasterpa.gov. 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
