Candidates for the proposed Home Rule Study Commission will host a public meet-and-greet and informational session on Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the River Valley Regional YMCA, 641 Walnut 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.

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.

“Home Rule would empower the people of

Williamsport to have a say in how their local government functions,” said City Councilman Jonah Milliken. He noted that the process would allow residents to explore whether a Home Rule Charter could better serve the city’s needs.

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.

Milliken also emphasized that the process is nonpartisan and gives all registered voters an equal voice in shaping the city’s future.

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 williamsportvotesyes.com.