City Government

Government Structure of Easton, PA

In 1972, Easton, Pennsylvania operated under a Mayor-Council government. This style of government allowed the Mayor act as the CEO of the city. He is responsible for the leadership and decision-making responsibilities of the city. The City Council of Easton consisted five elected officials who were the lawmakers of the city (City of Easton, n.d)

In 2007, the City of Easton became a Mayor-on-Council government under a Home Rule Charter. This style of government allowed the Mayor to serve a dual role. One as Chairperson and the other as a voting member of the council. Under the new Charter, Easton’s five member City Council was changed to a seven member City Council. (City of Easton, n.d)

The responsibilities of the Mayor include: attending and presiding at City Council meetings, City spokesperson in intergovernmental relationships, appoint citizens of the city to advisory boards and commissions with Council consent. The Mayor also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the City (City of Easton Home Rule Charter, n.d).

Openness

The City of Easton is an open system. The Mayor and City Council are transparent, participatory, and collaborative. Currently, on the City’s web anyone can review the Budget and Audits for the city dating back to 2010. The citizens of Easton are encouraged to attend and participate in City Council meetings. Meetings are held every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month starting at 6:00pm. Council Committee meetings are the previous Tuesdays. For individuals who cannot attend the meeting, meeting minutes, upcoming agenda, unfinished business and pending legislation are all listed and available for download on the City’s web page.

Power of the City

The adopted Home Rule Charter of Easton gives all power possible for a home rule municipality under the Constitution and laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Decision Making

The citizens of Easton, Pennsylvania adopted the Home Rule...