Home Rule Study Commission

Proposed Charter Finalized

On Monday, July 29, 2024, the Home Rule Study Commission released details of its draft charter, including a line-by-line, side-by-side comparison of current law, the proposed charter, and a summary of what has (and has not) changed.

On Thursday, August 15, 2024, the Home Rule Study Commission adopted its Final Report and the final Proposed Home Rule Charter. Lancaster City voters will decide whether or not to adopt the Home Rule Charter on November 5, 2024, during the general election.

Proposed Home Rule Charter Information Education Sessions

On May 16, 2023, Lancaster City voters decided to form a Home Rule Study Commission to determine if a home rule charter would better serve the City of Lancaster. On January 27. 2024, by a vote of 7-1, the Home Rule Study Commission voted to move forward with drafting a home rule charter for the City of Lancaster.

What is the purpose of the Home Rule Study Commission?

To examine our current form of government, potential changes, then make recommendations.

“Commissioners are charged with the task of “comprehensively reviewing, studying and analyzing the very governmental structure for their own community. But it is not just a study, because the commission’s recommendations are promptly placed before the voters for a decision.” (Home Rule in Pennsylvania)

The election of members to the study commission happened concurrently with the ballot question. Members of the study commission must only be registered voters within the city. Candidates were nominated by filing nomination papers signed by two hundred registered voters in Lancaster City.

What is Home Rule?

Developing a home rule charter transfers authority to act from state law to a local charter.

Pennsylvania adopted Home Rule Law in 1972. The PA Department of Community and Economic Development summarizes Home Rule in this way:

“The basic concept of Home Rule is relatively simple. The basic authority to act in municipal affairs is transferred from state law, as set forth by the General Assembly, to a local charter, adopted and amended by voters. But Home Rule does not set a municipality adrift from the rest of the state. It is subject to restrictions found in the United States and Pennsylvania constitutions and in state laws applicable to Home Rule municipalities. Local autonomy under Home Rule is a limited independence, but the thrust has been changed. Local governments without Home Rule can only act where specifically authorized by state law; Home Rule municipalities can act anywhere except where they are specifically limited by state law.” (Home Rule in Pennsylvania)

How does the City adopt a Home Rule Charter?

The adoption of a Home Rule Charter is by the electorate on General Election day. The voters are given a single proposal and either accept or reject the charter as a whole. The earliest a Home Rule Charter could be on the ballot for the voters to decide would be November 5, 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Commission Members

Brian Adams, Chair
Peter Barber
Darlene Byrd
Maxine Cook
Tony Dastra
Elizabeth Elias
Carl Feldman
John McGrann
Amy Ruffo

What is the Process?

Lancaster City voters must first approve establishing a Home Rule Study Commission and select nine Commissioners.
Then, the Commission completes a study on the current form of government, alternatives, and decides whether to recommend changes.
Finally, if changes are recommended, voters must approve them with a majority vote during a referendum.

Updates from the Home Rule Study Commission

Interested community members can subscribe to updates from the Home Rule Study Commission, including meeting summaries, meeting calendars, and ways to submit feedback. Your email address will only be used to send updates and will never be shared or used for other purposes.

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