The City of York is excited to announce the return of its Poet Laureate for the first time since 2017. Mayor Sandie Walker has opened applications, bringing renewed energy to the city’s literary arts just in time for National Poetry Month in April.
“We are grateful and excited to bring the Poet Laureate back to our community,” said Mayor Walker. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate creativity, uplift local voices, and celebrate the power of the written word across York.”
The Poet Laureate will play a key role in strengthening the city’s creative culture. Responsibilities include encouraging residents to explore their literary creativity, promoting original work from the community, fostering an environment that values artistic expression, and composing works that commemorate significant moments in the city’s life.
Applications are open to all residents of York City and York County. Thanks to the generosity of York County Community Foundation, in partnership with the Cultural Alliance of York County, a $1,000 honorarium per year for the two-year term of the new Poet Laureate is being provided.
The City extends sincere appreciation to Creative York for volunteering to administer the selection process and support this important initiative. Applications must be submitted online at creativeyork.org or in person to Creative York, 10 N. Beaver St., by 5:00 p.m. on April 30, 2026. Finalists will be interviewed the week of May 11.
