Strategic Plan 2026-2029

     The Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas has developed a comprehensive strategic plan for 2026-2029 to guide our court's future and ensure we continue to serve our community with excellence. This plan represents our commitment to thoughtful leadership and continuous improvement in the administration of justice.

     Our strategic plan focuses on three key priorities: Leadership Excellence and Staff Development, Community Engagement and Education, and Onboarding and Knowledge Preservation. These priorities reflect our dedication to developing our talented team, strengthening our connection with the community we serve, and preparing for the future as we face significant judicial transitions in 2028.

     At the heart of our plan are the court's core values: empathy, integrity, growth, collaboration, respect, and innovation. These values guide every decision we make and every interaction we have with the public, attorneys, and each other. Through this strategic framework, we aim to build an even stronger court system that serves the 550,000+ residents of Lancaster County with fairness, efficiency, and compassion.

     Strategic planning allows us to be proactive rather than reactive, ensuring that we're not just responding to today's challenges but preparing for tomorrow's opportunities to better serve justice in our community.


Leonard G. Brown, III, President Judge


Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas: Mission, Vision, and Values 

Our Mission:

Providing fair, efficient, and trusted justice by upholding the law and protecting the community we serve.

 

Our Vision:

We strive to be the justice system that sets the standard by strengthening community trust, ensuring equitable and transparent court services, and supporting employee growth.

 

Our Values:


  • Empathy: We understand and honor individual circumstances with care
  • Integrity: We uphold transparency, accountability, and ethics in all we do
  • Growth: We foster continuous learning and professional development
  • Collaboration: We work across roles and departments to serve the whole
  • Respect: We treat everyone with dignity and fairness
  • Innovation: We embrace new ideas and adapt to meet needs.

 

 

Three Core Focus Areas for 2026-2029

Strategic Priority 1: Leadership Excellence & Staff Development

Build a unified, values-driven culture through ongoing leadership and professional development that strengthens decision-making and organizational alignment

 

  • Goal 1: Establish a unified staff and leadership development framework
  • Goal 2: Implement a performance alignment and evaluation system

 

Strategic Priority 2: Community Engagement & Education

Enhance the court’s relationship with the community by offering outreach and education opportunities that increase awareness of court services and support public understanding.

 

  • Goal 3: Assess and strengthen existing outreach efforts
  • Goal 4: Design and implement targeted outreach initiatives

 

Strategic Priority 3: Onboarding & Knowledge Preservation

Strengthen the court’s long-term effectiveness by developing consistent onboarding practices and systems that preserve institutional knowledge and equip staff and judges for success in their roles.

 

  • Goal 5: Establish a court-wide mentoring and transition support framework
  • Goal 6: Build a sustainable knowledge preservation system
  • Goal 7: Strengthen HR integration for organizational alignment