Forum to Explore Innovative Strategies for Democratic Engagement

On June 6, the City of Lancaster, Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins, and Hourglass will host a forum on innovative strategies for bringing more people into the democratic process. 

Locally the City of Lancaster’s Department of Neighborhood Engagement has empowered neighbors to get involved and improve their community. Hear about the City’s engagement work, gain insights from experts, and celebrate our engaged community.   

“True democracy thrives when every voice is heard, and every neighbor is empowered. Through the Department of Neighborhood Engagement, we have ignited a movement of active participation and community improvement,” said Milzy Carrasco, Director of Neighborhood Engagement for the City of Lancaster.

The event will include a reception at 5 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and a program from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Steinman Auditorium. The program will consist of a keynote address from Terrance Smith, a presentation from the City of Lancaster highlighting the impact of the Department of Neighborhood Engagement, and a panel discussion with national and local leaders implementing community engagement strategies. Mayor Danene Sorace will moderate the panel. 

Meet the Panelists:

Terrance Smith, Public Innovation Fellow, Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins
Laura Wood, Leadership in Government Fellow, Open Society Foundations
Miriam Ortega Brown, Literacy Specialist, School District of Lancaster
Milzy Carrasco, Director of Neighborhood Engagement, City of Lancaster

“Engagement is the heartbeat of a thriving community. In Lancaster, we are empowering our neighbors to shape the future of our community. I look forward to moderating the panel discussion,” said Mayor Sorace.

The event is free to attend, but tickets are required. Tickets can be reserved at https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/4111445. 

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Spanning 7 square miles in south Central Pennsylvania, the City of Lancaster is home to 60,000 diverse residents. Committed to building a stronger, more equitable Lancaster block by block, the City of Lancaster oversees a range of public services including public safety, health, housing, parks, streets, and water and sewer operations. For more information, visit cityoflancasterpa.gov.