Update on the City of Lancaster

Introduction by Christine Sable

Recenty Mayor Danene Sorace pushed for the city to adopt home rule to help address a looming budget deficit. Home rule could grant the city greater taxing authority. Specifically, it could allow officials to shift the tax burden away from property taxes toward a larger earned income tax, which Sorace has said is a fairer tax.

Other items high on Mayor Sorace's list are:  the Lead Safe Lancaster team, reimaginng the Conestoga River waterfront, Safe Streets for All program and Vision Zero traffic, affordable housing, and the shortage of child care opportunities.

Danene Sorace received her bachelor's degree from Albright College and her master's degree in public policy from Rutgers University. She is also the former director of the Answer program at Rutgers.

Sorace first won election as mayor in 2017. She began her term on January 3, 2018. Prior to becoming mayor, she served one four-year term on the Lancaster city council where she headed the finance committee.[  Sorace was reelected as mayor in 2021.

Annual State of the City Address:
https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/sorace-gives-state-of-the-city-address-in-lancaster-highlights-home-rule-10-year-comprehensive/article_8414dc80-bd25-11ee-864b-23267cc0552d.html

Mayor's Office:
https://www.cityoflancasterpa.gov/departments/mayors-office/

As growth in Lancaster persists, mayor looks to spur more inclusive development:
https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2023/11/05/lancaster-mayor-danene-sorace-pushes-development.html

Lancaster home rule commission wants to set a precedent for other Pa. cities:
https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/lancaster-home-rule-commission-wants-to-set-a-precedent-for-other-pa-cities/article_499f4b38-cc77-11ee-bef7-07f9688491e5.html