Department: Mayor's Office

Message from Mayor Sorace about Police Chief Jarrad Berkihiser’s Retirement

Police Chief Jarrad Berkihiser is retiring from his position effective October 31, 2020. Chief Berkihiser and I have been working diligently to advance the work of the Bureau of Police, and significant progress has been made. I want to thank Chief Berkihiser for his more than two decades of service to our city. He joined…

City of Lancaster Makes Final Census Push with Census Emergency Day

Mayor Danene Sorace will join Mayor Eddie Moran of Reading in declaring Friday, Sept. 25 Census Emergency Day, the City of Lancaster announced today. Census Emergency Day and its related activities are aimed at ensuring an accurate census count. “An accurate 2020 Census count is crucial for Lancaster City and other Pennsylvania communities to receive…

Statement from Mayor Sorace – September 18

As this painful and incredibly difficult week comes to a close, I wanted to provide a few reflections.  There has been no shortage of public opinion about the events that happened over the last week.  I have intentionally held my own opinions on matters related the arrests, the bail, and so on.  Why?  Two reasons:  There is a…

Statement from Mayor Sorace – September 14

Yesterday was a heartbreaking day for our city. My heart breaks for Ricardo Munoz’s family and the devastation it has brought our community. A life was lost, and lives were forever changed including the officer involved.

Mayor Sorace Releases Statement on Sunday Shooting

This has been a heartbreaking day for our city. I grieve for the loss of life and know that there are more questions to be answered as the investigation continues.   Sunday at 4:15 p.m., officers from Lancaster Bureau of Police responded to a residence on Laurel St. for a report of an in-progress domestic…

City of Lancaster Issues Demonstration Guidelines ahead of Sunday Protest

City of Lancaster officials are aware of a protest scheduled for 5 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9 at the Lancaster City Police Department, 39 W. Chestnut St. W. Chestnut Street will be closed on Sunday for the protest. The public is advised to avoid the area if traveling downtown. The City of Lancaster supports citizens’…

Best Practices to Prioritize Safe and Secure Demonstrations

Individuals and organizations have the lawful right to demonstrate if done in a lawful manner. Remaining orderly ensures an orderly response from law enforcement. Avoid blocking sidewalks, streets or private driveways, or entrances to any private or public place as that creates a problem for fellow citizens, flow of traffic and public safety. Avoid preventing…

City of Lancaster Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

The City of Lancaster will observe Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, through several initiatives in celebration of the contributions the Hispanic community has made to Lancaster city. “Our Hispanic neighbors are a significant part of the fabric of our diverse and vibrant neighborhoods. They contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of…

City of Lancaster announces Certified Welcoming status

The City of Lancaster, in partnership with many community benefit organizations and businesses, is celebrating the city’s status of Certified Welcoming, received from Welcoming America just in time for Welcoming Week, Sept. 13 through 22. City Council will introduce Resolution 44-2019, Recognizing Welcoming Week in the City of Lancaster as Celebrating the City’s Designation as…

North Plum Street Housing Update

To ensure the safety of city residents, seven houses were condemned for significant structural issues on August 7, 2019. An adjacent property was condemned the following week for a broken sewer pipe. All residents in need were provided with temporary housing, and all who requested were provided with housing navigation support from the Community Action…