A late Williamsport City Councilwoman will have First Friday on May 1 dedicated in her honor.

Bonnie Katz, a councilwoman who recently passed away, who served on council since 2012, played a significant role in city government and special events such as this downtown celebration of the arts and entertainment.

“On Friday, May 1, 2026, the city’s First Friday is hereby dedicated in honor of Councilwoman Bonnie Katz in recognition for her years of distinguished public service to the City of Williamsport and its residents,” Council President Eric Beiter said in a resolution approved by council.

Katz, who first took office on council in 2012, was said to have served the city residents with dedication, integrity and distinction. She earned the confidence of her constituents through successive re-elections.

Notably, Katz served as council vice president from 2022 through 2024, providing what was described as steady and principled guidance to her colleagues. This happened during a period of significant institutional transition.

As chair of the public works committee, Katz tirelessly advocated for improvements and contributed to the continuing levee recertification efforts. This work is essential to the long-term safety, resilience and insurability of the city and its residents.

As chair of the public safety committee, Katz spearheaded the reformation of the Williamsport Bureau of Police K9 Unit. In doing so, Katz demonstrated a commitment to responsible, effective and community-focused public safety policy.

Throughout her tenure, Katz was known for her diligence and preparation, her directiveness in deliberation and her genuine care for her constituents she served, Beiter stated reading from the resolution.

In all ways, she was said to have brought to her public duties a love and passion for the city and its people. That was evident, Beiter said reading from the resolution, to all who had the privilege of serving alongside her.

The full resolution was made into a certified copy and presented to the family of Katz, as a token of appreciation to her dedication and service to “our community and its residents.”

Members of council, former Councilman Randy Allison expressed their condolences, and personal appreciation for what Katz contributed in their lives as elected public officials, all of which are memorialized on the public record.