Golden Touch Academy urges Lancaster to advance 'film‑friendly' plans

Dr. Cheryl Friday, founder of Golden Touch Academy, told the Lancaster City Council on June 22 that her school has operated in Lancaster for six years and seeks to expand job‑training and media opportunities for residents. "Golden Touch Academy has always been about more than just teaching a trade," she said during the public‑comment portion of the meeting, listing workforce, education and partnership goals and giving the council the school’s business address.

Friday handed the floor to a partner who identified his organization on the record as the Urban Fire Binge Network and offered a broader pipeline linking economic development, communications and education. "We have a pretty robust pipeline in place," the partner said, describing services that range "from the economic piece of it all the way to the education part of it," and offering the group’s radio, television, film and livestream capabilities to the city.

The mayor thanked the presenters, welcomed them to Lancaster and directed them to share further details with staff. City officials did not make any formal commitments at the meeting; the council’s response was limited to an invitation to provide more information to city staff for follow up.

Why it matters: Cities that pursue a film‑friendly designation often aim to attract production work, create short‑term local jobs, and build training pipelines for residents. Golden Touch Academy emphasized a training and education angle aimed at preparing residents for those opportunities.

Next steps: The presenters were asked to meet with city staff to provide additional materials and discuss how the school and its media partner might support Lancaster’s goals for economic and workforce development.