Open Government & Compliance

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The City of Lancaster, was first incorporated in 1852, is located in located in the Southwest portion of Dallas County. The City occupies a land area of 33 square miles and serves a population of approximately 42,183. The City of Lancaster is approximately 15 minutes south of Dallas and is well situated to access the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex, one of the largest and most diverse in the nation.  Lancaster has excellent freeway access, with Interstates 20, 35 and 45 adjacent, to the community.   Lancaster is in close proximity to DART light rail service to downtown Dallas and other locations.  Dallas Love Field and Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport are within a short driving distance. The City provides a full range of services including police, fire, ambulance service, animal, library, parks, recreation, water, sewer, airport, refuse collection and disposal, golf, streets, infrastructure, planning and zoning, economic development, public improvements, and general administrative services.

The City of Lancaster adopted a Home Rule City Charter in 1956. Pursuant to the Charter, the City Council is comprised of 6 single-member districts and a mayor elected at-large. All members serve 3-year staggered terms.  The City Council meetings are live streamed and are posted to the website with 24 hours where they will remain indefinitely. City Council meeting are held on Monday evenings at least once a month. The City Council’s responsibilities include adoption of the annual tax rate, water and sewer rates, annual operating budget, and regulatory ordinances, approval of contracts and agreements, review and approval of the council’s rules of procedure and passage of ordinances and resolutions. The City Council appoints the City Manager, City Secretary, City Attorney, and Municipal Judge.  The council also makes appointments to a number of standing boards, commissions, committees, and ad hoc committees as it deems necessary or as state law mandates. Members of such boards, commissions, and committees serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council or carry out functions of government as provided by law. As provided by the City Charter, the City Council appoints a city manager who is responsible for carrying out the policies set by the council and for the effective administration of all departments. The city manager is also charged with the enforcement of all laws and ordinances of the City.