Gettysburg’s newly-appointed mayor, Alison Lintal, says she is stepping into the role with a focus on listening, collaboration, and addressing pressing local challenges—particularly housing affordability.
Lintal, who was selected by the borough council on Monday to serve through January 2028, said she was motivated to pursue the position out of a desire to provide competent, compassionate leadership and help guide the community forward.
“I was motivated to step into an opportunity that I saw a need for,” she said. “I felt like I have skills that I can contribute, and I wanted to do so.”
Lintal lives in Gettysburg with her husband and two children. After growing up near the fruit belt surrounding Dillsburg, the former Chicago resident returned to Adams County with her husband to raise a family. After living in Upper Adams for several years, the family moved to the borough.
Lintal pointed to Gettysburg’s walkability and sense of connection as key reasons for the move. “We wanted to really get back to a walkable community that we felt we could really be part of, where we weren’t spending time in the car, and where we could be nearer our neighbors,” she said.
Lintal described the mayor’s position as one that complements the work of borough council and staff, serving as a connector and advocate rather than a primary decision-maker.
“The borough is governed by the borough council,” she said. “The mayor plays a role in asking questions, providing perspective, and connecting with organizations and residents who are impacted by decision-making.” She added that she sees her role as helping to “amplify voices” across the community and facilitate collaboration among local groups.
Lintal also noted that, by state ordinance, the mayor oversees the police department, though she emphasized she is still learning the scope of that responsibility. “I see myself as one of the voices in helping ensure that public safety matters are taken care of,” she said.
Among the issues she hopes to address, Lintal pointed to housing affordability as a major concern in Gettysburg. “There’s a real challenge finding a place to live that people can afford to live and be part of this community,” she said.
She noted that while housing development is occurring around the borough and the county, much of it remains out of reach for workers in the education, healthcare, and service industries.
Lintal said her professional background, including experience working with housing-related organizations, could help inform local efforts. She suggested that potential solutions could include policy changes, collaboration with developers, and better utilization of housing assistance programs.
“I think part of it is collaboration—lots of different financing, lots of different partners,” she said.
She also expressed interest in exploring policies such as inclusionary zoning and addressing barriers that prevent landlords from accepting housing vouchers.
For now, Lintal said she is focused on learning the role and engaging with residents and organizations across the borough. “I’m in my sort of listening phase right now,” she said.
She plans to establish office hours, increase communication through newsletters and social media, and encourage residents to get involved in local boards and commissions.
“I’ve been answering my phone. I’ve already talked to people,” she said, noting that she has fielded questions ranging from parking concerns to marriage certificates.
Lintal also highlighted opportunities to strengthen partnerships with Gettysburg College and other local institutions, as well as to promote the work of community organizations.
“I want to learn more about all the work of the organizations, but I also want to be there to help promote their good work,” she said.
Lintal said she was looking forward to the ambassadorial outreach aspects of the role, including attending events and engaging with residents. “I love learning and being part of people’s events,” she said.
Lintal said she hopes to bring a collaborative, nonpartisan approach to the office, particularly on issues like housing that affect residents across the political spectrum. “I don’t think these issues are partisan,” she said. “It goes beyond politics.”
As she begins her tenure, Lintal emphasized that her priority is to build relationships and help move Gettysburg forward in a positive direction.
“I’m looking forward to getting out in the community and seeing folks,” she said.
