Harrisburg mayor to host $85-a-ticket Mayor's Ball

City officials say no taxpayer money is involved, but have not clarified who's funding the event or where proceeds go

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Harrisburg residents can buy $85 tickets to Mayor Wanda Williams' Feb. 28 'Mayor's Ball' at the Hilton Harrisburg, billed as an evening of music, dancing and food. The event follows a recently settled budget dispute with city council, but officials have not provided details on the event's funding or where the proceeds will go.

Why it matters

The Mayor's Ball has raised questions about transparency and accountability, as the city has not disclosed the event's funding sources or plans for the proceeds, despite the recent budget dispute with the city council.

The details

The Mayor's Ball is being billed as a celebration of Mayor Wanda Williams' re-election, with $85 tickets available for Harrisburg residents. City officials claim no taxpayer money is being used, but have not provided specifics on who is funding the event or where the proceeds will go.

  • The Mayor's Ball is scheduled for February 28, 2026.
  • The event follows a recently settled budget dispute between Mayor Williams and the Harrisburg City Council.

The players

Wanda Williams

The mayor of Harrisburg who is hosting the $85-a-ticket Mayor's Ball.

Harrisburg City Council

The city council that recently settled a budget dispute with Mayor Williams.

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What’s next

City officials are expected to provide more details on the funding and proceeds of the Mayor's Ball in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The lack of transparency around the Mayor's Ball raises concerns about the use of public resources and the mayor's priorities, especially in the wake of the recent budget dispute with the city council.