Overview
- City council voted 5–2 in a special meeting to reinstate amendments that remove funding for four roles in the mayor’s administration.
- The affected positions are the business administrator, director of building and housing, project director for business development/LERTA administrator, and director of community engagement and relations with Harrisburg police.
- Mayor Wanda Williams said she is meeting with the city solicitor and outside counsel to explore a lawsuit, arguing council overstepped and noting the business administrator is required by city code.
- Council leaders said the cuts address accountability, citing two interim directors who remained in place well beyond a 120‑day limit without council confirmation and ongoing communication concerns.
- When the 2026 budget takes effect Jan. 1 the positions are eliminated and cannot be posted, though changes can be proposed by the mayor and approved by council through Feb. 15; the state’s fiscal watchdog has warned the business administrator role is a critical, legally required function.