Mayor Danene Sorace and her Administration have been committed to building a stronger, more equitable Lancaster block by block by focusing on the residents of the City of Lancaster and the fundamental work of City government. Under Mayor Sorace’s leadership, the City of Lancaster has worked across departments, used data more effectively, and partnered with residents to address the unique needs of every neighborhood, block by block. All the while advancing racial equity for all residents through a holistic lens—housing, policing, and economic opportunity.
A message from Mayor Danene Sorace
Mayor Danene Sorace has fought for every block of Lancaster City.
Strong Neighborhoods
Affordable Housing
Under Mayor Sorace’s leadership, the City has made historic investments in creating new affordable housing units and preserving current affordable housing, including $10 million of American Rescue Plan funds. The City’s Housing Strategy and Comprehensive Plan have set a clear vision for more quality, diverse, and affordable housing options in Lancaster.
Empowering Neighbors
Mayor Sorace’s vision led to the first new City department in decades, the Department of Neighborhood Engagement (DONE). Charged with connecting residents with local government and empowering neighborhoods, DONE has reached thousands of residents, fostered dozens of collaborative neighborhood projects, and helped new leaders emerge.
Our Future Lancaster
The City completed its new comprehensive plan, Our Future Lancaster, in 2023, the first in nearly 30 years. Mayor Sorace ensured the process was resident-led and that resident needs would be prioritized for decades. The engagement process had 14,000 interactions seeking input to co-create our future. The plan is a bold one that will take the entire community to see it come to life.
Safe Places
Safe Streets for All
Streets are for everyone — pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers. In 2023, the City of Lancaster was awarded its largest federal grant ever, $12.7 million, to advance its Vision Zero initiative to reach zero traffic-related serious injuries and fatalities by 2030. Additionally, under Mayor Sorace’s leadership, significant street improvements have been made, from bike infrastructure to traffic calming measures in every neighborhood, all with the goal of streets safer for everyone in our community.
Public Safety
In recent years, the City of Lancaster has made historic investments in the Fire Bureau’s infrastructure ($13.7M) and apparatus ($3.2M) and propelled the Police Bureau forward with intentional policy and leadership changes, new additions like Police Social Workers and more officers on bikes, and heightened recruitment efforts. The Police Bureau has embraced its connection to the community through community engagement to foster trust and improve neighborhood safety.
Lead-Safe Lancaster
A key accomplishment for Mayor Sorace was securing over $9 million for a HUD lead remediation grant, which has made the remediation of over 300 homes South of King Street possible. Along with new ordinances ensuring rental units and childcare facilities are lead-safe, combatting the effects of lead paint poisoning on our city’s children has been a focal point of Mayor Sorace’s tenure.
Climate Resilience
During her time as Mayor, the City of Lancaster launched its first climate action plan, advanced an award-winning stormwater management and green infrastructure program, and centered sustainability and the Conestoga River in the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The City added its first Urban Forester position, installed hundreds of rain gardens, and has embarked on a solar energy effort to curb emissions.
Sustainable Economy
Thriving Local Economy
Lancaster has repeatedly topped the list of the best places to visit and live. Mayor Sorace values a thriving economy that supports diverse small businesses. The City launched its first tourism strategic plan to unlock its full economic potential, welcoming thousands of locals and guests to special events and the Welcome Center, all to support Lancaster’s economic vitality.
Investing in Community
The Sorace Administration has been keen to invest more dollars in Lancaster, including a $5 million investment in community facilities that serve residents daily, like Bright Side Opportunities Center, Lancaster Public Library, and childcare services. Other significant investments, such as federal, state, and private funds, have supported families and created quality jobs locally.
Economic Recovery
Mayor Sorace was a steadfast presence throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to her leadership, the City sprung into action and created the first local contact tracing effort, ensured local businesses had access to relief funds, and got vital funding into our community. She appeared regularly on Facebook Live and masked up to canvas neighborhoods to keep residents informed.
Sound Government
Culture of Inclusion
Mayor Sorace has focused on modernizing the City’s workforce, promoting diversity to ensure Lancaster’s city government looks like the population it serves, and creating a culture that values quality, teamwork, integrity, and respect. The Sorace Administration aims to make every employee feel valued and part of the larger mission of serving our community. This commitment is reflected in the Administration’s initiatives to foster a supportive work environment.
Home Rule & Financial Stability
To secure Lancaster’s future, Mayor Sorace has charted a new path through the home rule process to stabilize the City’s long-term finances. For too long, Lancaster has relied on property tax increases. Home rule will empower Lancaster with more tools to meet the needs of our residents, while also continuing to reign in expenses. Being a good steward of public funds remains a focal point of Mayor Sorace’s work to support critical services city residents and visitors alike rely on every day.
Data-Informed Decisions
Quality information ensures better outcomes. Under Mayor Sorace, the City has built a foundation of data for decision-makers to make smart decisions on how to best serve Lancaster. From the Block Strength Indicator to financial analysis to Fix It! service requests, the City is tracking and utilizing data like never before. The City has also built out its own data and technology team for the first time, who are exploring ways to use data to improve our city services for all who use them.