I've been fighting for working class people and neighborhoods for over a decade. During the last 5 years on City Council, I've introduced affordable housing policies, supported small businesses and advocated for police reform. Housing is a human right, we can prevent crime by investing in people. Systemic problems need systemic solutions.

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NEWS

July 7, 2024

Allentown told Homeless people that they don't matter.

Everything was gone. My laptop, most of my clothes and most importantly my money for rent. To make matters worse, I needed to spend the only money I had left in the bank on a new car tire. I had just graduated from college and was teaching at the Caring Place after-school program in Allentown. Just like that, everything I worked for, everything I accomplished, did not matter.

June 23, 2021

Allentown bill aims to give minority-owned businesses a better shot at city contracts

It’s the first in a series of progressive proposals intended to create more employment opportunities for residents in the majority-minority city.

Gerlach repeatedly said Allentown needs to do more to help residents find jobs within city limits. About 4 in 5 residents need to leave the city to find work, and about the same share of city jobs are held by nonresidents.

March 22, 2021

Allentown Council members vow to wage 'war on slumlords'; news conference leads to shouting match with Center City landlord

Tenant Sheria Wells points out feces, and other unsanitary conditions in the building. More than a dozen tenants at 104 N. 8th St. were nearly displaced after Allentown on Friday deemed the apartment building uninhabitable.

July 10, 2024

Allentown City Council member plans to introduce resolution declaring city will not criminalize homelessness

City Council member Ce-Ce Gerlach proposed an "Unsheltered Bill of Rights," but it was voted down at the City Council meeting on June 26. She said she's planning to bring up another resolution at next week's meeting, because it's an issue that has to be addressed.

December 9, 2022

Allentown to spend $1.5 million on 'credible messengers'. Here's how they can help tackle youth gun violence.

The $1.5 million would fund a “certified credible messengers program,” which would pair adult mentors from Allentown with at-risk youth in the city. Messengers work with local courts to connect with young people in the juvenile justice system to bond, share their stories and help steer them away from gangs, crime and drugs.

Gerlach said she hopes the city will keep funding it in future budgets. The city needs to make a long-term commitment to violence prevention, she said.