Erie council advances 'welcoming city' ordinance on first reading after extended public debate

The Erie City Council on Feb. 18 voted 6–1 on first reading to adopt an ordinance establishing Article 1.37 to pursue and maintain Welcoming America certification, a stepped program that rates municipalities on immigrant-inclusion practices.

The ordinance, sponsored by Councilor Titus and seconded by Councilor Schauff, sets goals for language access, police noncooperation with immigration enforcement where legally permissible, and steps to raise the city’s Welcoming America rating above its current one-star standing. "If we don't have this ordinance on the books, we will lose the welcoming city status," a councilor said during caucus, arguing the designation preserves population-linked federal funds and programs that the administration described as "hundreds of thousands of dollars every year." (Councilor Titus and other council sponsors spoke in caucus and at the meeting.)

Why it matters: Supporters told council the certification helps attract residents, stabilizes funding and signals that immigrants and refugees can safely access city services. Opponents urged clearer language limiting protections to people with lawful status or specifically naming refugees, and asked for confirmation that the ordinance does not block police from enforcing criminal law. "I'm not going to be an affirmative vote on this until I have the opportunity" to review unclear language, one councilor said, explaining a planned 'no' vote on first reading; the member added they expected to vote in favor after further clarification.

Public voices: A large public-comment turnout focused on the ordinance and linked concerns about local policing practices and recent local incidents. Speakers representing neighborhood groups, faith communities and advocacy organizations urged council to pass the ordinance and to clarify or strengthen limits on local cooperation with ICE and border agencies. "We have the opportunity to make a ripple effect and lead by example," said Wuji Ahmad, who identified themself as a refugee and noted the long vetting refugees undergo. Community members also urged greater investment in the city's East Side and the establishment of accountable oversight for policing.

Administration and next steps: City staff and administration representatives said the ordinance mirrors the Welcoming America guidance and that some compliance items (library language access, policing policy language) remain in progress. Staff committed to share the Welcoming America checklist with councilors and to work with the new American affairs coordinator on implementation. Because the measure requires a second reading, council may refine language before final passage.

The council adopted the measure on first reading 6–1; the ordinance will return for a second reading before it can be finally enacted.