Harrisburg City Council


The Harrisburg City Council is the legislative branch of the city government of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and consists of seven members elected at-large. The council president is elected by the council members and presides over city council meetings. In the event of illness or absence of the president, the vice president presides over the meetings. Each member's term is four years, serving part-time. There are no limits on the number of terms a member may serve.

Legislative Process

Every proposed ordinance is initially in the form of a resolution introduced by a council member. Before a resolution can be enacted, it must be referred by the president of the council to an appropriate standing committee, considered at a public hearing and meeting, reported out by the committee, printed as reported by the committee, distributed to the members of the council, and made available to the public. Passage of a bill requires the favorable vote of a majority of all members. A resolution becomes law upon the approval of the mayor. If the mayor vetoes a bill, the council may override the veto by a two-thirds vote. City Council also confirms all department directors and certain other mayoral appointees.
City Council considers and evaluates legislative concerns consisting of committees on:
The City Council as of March 2018 is as follows:
DistrictNameTook OfficeParty
1Cornelius Johnson2016Dem
2Ben Allatt2014Dem
3Westburn Majors2016Dem
4Ausha Green2018Dem
5Wanda D. Williams†2006Dem
6Dave Madson*2018Dem
7Shamaine Daniels2014Dem

Key to Chart
[|†] President of Council
*Appointed to fill vacancy until election is held.

Former Members