Editing Lancaster, California (section)

===City government===
Lancaster is a charter city which utilizes a [[City Council]]/[[City Manager]] system of government. This system of government provides accountability and responsiveness to the electorate, while maintaining the stability necessary for implementation of a long-term vision.

The Lancaster City Council consists of an elected Mayor and four elected Council Members. As the city's legislative and policy entity, the Mayor and Council Members are responsible to the residents of Lancaster for all municipal programs and services as well as for any legislative matters concerning the city. The Council approves and adopts ordinances, resolutions and contracts and enacts regulations and policies. It appoints the City Manager and City Attorney as well as members of commissions and citizen advisory committees that provide broad perspective in the decision-making process. Members of the council also serve as directors of the Lancaster Redevelopment Agency, the Financing Authority and the Housing Authority.

City Council meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, with special or adjourned meetings scheduled as needed. City Council meetings are open to the public and include opportunities for residents to voice concerns and suggestions.

The office of City Manager is an appointed, long-term professional position. With oversight and direction from the City Council, the City Manager sets and implements policy. The City Manager leads the management team to achieve the goals and directives set forth in the city's General Plan and to develop and implement a long-term vision for city growth and achievement.

A Deputy City Manager and Assistant City Manager are appointed by the City Manager to help manage, coordinate, control and direct Administrative Services, and to ensure achievement of operating department goals and objectives.

As of 2021 the mayor was Lancaster native and local lawyer R. Rex Parris.<ref name="LAT 2021-02-25">{{Cite news|last=Miller|first=Leila|date=February 25, 2021|title=Sheriff's Department reform in Antelope Valley has lagged for years, court monitors say|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-25/la-me-antelope-valley-settlement-agreement-progress|access-date=February 26, 2021|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}</ref> He was first elected in April 2008 and was re-elected in 2010, 2012, 2016 and 2020.<ref>[https://www.cityoflancasterca.org/about-us/city-government/city-officials/city-council/mayor-r-rex-parris Mayor R. Rex Parris] cityoflancasterca.org</ref> The City Manager is Jason Caudle, who has been with the City of Lancaster since 2008 and was appointed City Manager in December 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cityoflancasterca.org/about-us/city-government/city-officials/city-manager-655|title=City Manager &#124; City of Lancaster|website=www.cityoflancasterca.org}}</ref> The current Vice Mayor is Marvin Crist, and other current Council Members are Raj Malhi, Ken Mann and Darrell Dorris.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cityoflancasterca.org/about-us/city-government/city-officials/city-council|title=Contact Your City Council &#124; City of Lancaster|website=www.cityoflancasterca.org}}</ref>