Candidates for the proposed Home Rule Study Commission will host a public meet-and-greet and information session on May 9 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the James V. Brown Library, 19 E. Fourth St.

The free event is open to all residents and will provide an overview of Home Rule – a form of local government that would give Williamsport greater control over local decisions such as zoning, taxation, and public services. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet the candidates and ask questions.

The upcoming information session follows a similar event hosted by commission candidates on April 8 at the Williamsport YMCA. Approximately fifty people attended to ask questions, voice opinions, and learn more about the group’s motives for exploring home rule.

The seven members of the proposed commission appreciated the strong civic engagement displayed at their first event and now invite Williamsport residents to continue the conversation on May 9.

Residents running for the Home Rule Study Commission include Andrew Dincher, Dante Elion, Valerie Fessler, Liz Miele, Caroline Payne, J. David Smith, and Brianna Stetts. If approved by voters, the commission would be responsible for drafting a proposed Home Rule Charter tailored to Williamsport.

Voters will decide whether to establish a Home Rule Study Commission during the May 19 primary election. If approved, the commission will have nine months to develop recommendations. Those recommendations would then be presented to the public for review and a final vote in 2027.

If ultimately adopted, Williamsport would join 26 other third-class cities in Pennsylvania that operate under Home Rule charters.

For more information about Home Rule, upcoming events, and the candidates, visit williamsporthomerule.com