CRC’s Purpose and 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 CRC invites residents and organizations to engage with, endorse, and adopt these principles, reinforcing Goshen’s commitment to inclusivity.

Leadership and Membership

The CRC operates under the leadership of seven volunteer Commissioners appointed by the City Council and Mayor. These members represent a broad spectrum of the community and share a vision for a unified, thriving Goshen.

Current commissioners are:

• E-man Monge
• Lori Copsey
• Angie Wentz
• Tim Swartzentruber
• John Dolezal
• Vacant
• Vacant
• Phil Lederach (City Council liaison)

If you’re interested in applying to be a member please complete an application by clicking HERE.

When and Where Does the CRC Meet?

The CRC meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m. inside Council Chambers (Police & Courts Building, 111 E. Jefferson St.). The public is invited to attend. Meeting dates for 2025 include: Feb. 4, March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3, July 1, Aug. 5, Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2.

City Support and Staffing

The Mayor’s Office actively supports the CRC, dedicating staff to advance its mission.

Sheryl Tucker, Executive Assistant for the Mayor’s Office, manages phone inquiries and provides essential administrative support.

Michael Wanbaugh, Director of Administrative Affairs, oversees the Mayor’s Office operations and the CRC’s activities.

Amanda Guzman focuses on community engagement, event planning, outreach, written communications, design oversight, website and social media management, and photography.

How to contact the Community Relations Commission

The public can contact the Community Relations via email at communityrelations@goshencity.com or by phone at 574-537-3839, extension 358.

History 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,

---

Resources for Residents

The Little Big Ideas Grant initiative is aimed at inspiring creativity and enhancing the quality of place in Elkhart County! We’re on a mission to help residents love where they live by unleashing innovative ideas that can transform our communities. This inclusive program invites anyone anyone who cares about where they live to submit their ideas—whether you’ve spotted a fantastic concept in New York, Shanghai, or even Kokomo, let’s test it!

If you feel you are the victim of discrimination, please visit the Indiana Civil Rights Commission website to file a complaint or call 800-628-2909.

• 2024 CRC Essay Competition
• 2023 CRC Essay Competition
• 2021 Sundown Town survey summary
• 2021 Letter to the Community
• 2021 Carta a la comunidad
• Meet the CRC Commissioners
• View our guidelines for visitors at CRC meetings and the resolution passed by the CRC adopting the guidelines.
• What does a CRC member do? (Commissioner job description).
• To read our most recent agendas and minutes, scroll down
• CRC agenda and minutes archives

Events Calendar: CRC meeting dates, agenda and minutes