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City of Goshen, IN

Community Relations Commission

Building Bridges, Strengthening Community

Goshen’s Community Relations Commission works to bring people together, strengthen neighborhoods and help residents take an active role in their community.

The CRC connects residents with one another and City government through neighborhood outreach, community events, conversations and programs. It also helps residents find appropriate resources when they have concerns about discrimination.

What We Do

The CRC focuses its work in three areas:

  • Bringing People Together: Creating opportunities for residents to connect across neighborhoods, cultures and experiences.
  • Championing Fairness and Equity: Supporting fair treatment, equal opportunity and access to community resources.
  • Empowering Neighborhoods: Helping residents build connections, organize and shape the places they call home.

The commission also supports community organizations and programs that improve quality of life in Goshen.

Meet the Commission

Established in 2004, the CRC includes seven volunteer commissioners appointed by the mayor and Goshen City Council. Commissioners serve three-year terms and help guide the CRC’s work throughout the community.

  • Angie Wentz — Mayor appointment; term expires Dec. 31, 2026
  • John Dolezal — Mayor appointment; term expires Dec. 31, 2027
  • E-man Monge — City Council appointment; term expires Dec. 31, 2027
  • Lori Copsey — City Council appointment; term expires Dec. 31, 2027
  • Tim Swartzentruber — Mayor appointment; term expires Dec. 31, 2028
  • Lauren Lehman — Mayor appointment; term expires Dec. 31, 2028
  • Vacant

Phil Lederach serves as the City Council liaison.

Interested in serving?

Apply to join a City board or commission

City Support

The Mayor’s Office provides staff support for the CRC and its programs.

  • Michael Wanbaugh, Director of Administrative Affairs, oversees CRC operations, community engagement and programming.
  • Sheryl Tucker, Executive Assistant, provides administrative support and assists with public inquiries.
  • Theresa Cummings, Community Development Specialist, administers federal Community Development Block Grant funding for housing, infrastructure and public-service programs serving low- and moderate-income residents.

Concerned About Discrimination?

The CRC does not investigate discrimination complaints, but it can help connect residents with appropriate resources.

Residents may file discrimination complaints with the Indiana Civil Rights Commission or call 800-628-2909.

History and Archive of the CRC

In 2004, then-Mayor Alan Kauffman and the City Council had the foresight to establish the CRC for the purpose of fostering a climate of positive community relations, non-discrimination, and equal opportunity within and throughout all of Goshen. The Commission was created with the passage of Ordinance 4201 and amended in 2006 by Ordinance 4339 and again in 2009 by Ordinance 4526,

Community Relations Commission Meetings

The CRC meets at 4 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month in Council Chambers at the Goshen Police & Courts Building, 111 E. Jefferson St. Meetings are open to the public.
Meeting & Events Calendar

CRC Purpose & Principles

Through community engagement, the CRC identified core principles that guide its work:

Honor each person’s dignity and rights.

Listen to diverse community voices.

Cultivate constructive communication and engagement.

Value honesty, truthfulness, and integrity.

Promote a safe community for all.

Embrace the challenge of change.

Accept and appreciate differences.

Advance equality and freedom from discrimination.
The annual International Women’s Day luncheon is sponsored by Goshen’s Community Relations Commission each March.