government in Allentown began in January 1866, when the various ward districts called for a consolidation of the various schools into one school district as a central authority. This led to other consolidations of the various wards into centralized police departments, a treasurer and also a consolidated council. Within a year, legislation was proposed in Harrisburg by Lehigh County State Senator George P. Shall to incorporate Allentown as a city. The legislation was passed by the Pennsylvania Legislature on March 12, 1867, creating the City of Allentown, and the first city election was held on May 1. The first city charter specified a Bicameral form of government, consisting of a Select Council of fourteen (including the mayor) and a Common Council of twenty-eight members. First City Government Charter (1867) Commission City Government Charter (1913) Strong Mayor City Government Charter (1970) Home Rule City Government Charter (1996) References