Allentown will tackle challenges head-on in 2024
Editor’s note: This is one in a series of articles by elected Lehigh Valley officials looking back at 2023 and forward to 2024.
There’s something magical about a holiday party.
I’m not talking about the spark of new romance, or the strange rant from your weird uncle, or even the supernatural ability to eat that fourth kiffle.
No, I’m talking about the magic of reconnecting with the old friend who brings your spirits high when you may be feeling a little beaten up by life. They remind you of your values and encourage you to demonstrate them for all, that what you say and how you say it matters. Their reminders of who you are and what you value inspire hope for the future.
So rather than dwell on the difficulties we faced in 2023, let’s look ahead to the opportunity that 2024 holds.
Allentown is the beating heart of the Lehigh Valley. We are the exciting and vibrant city at the center of a dynamic region. Allentonians are authentically compassionate neighbors, proud of the diversity of our communities.
Our successes in 2023 included significant support from the federal government. We secured $312,000 from the Department of Transportation’s Safe Roads and Streets For All program, nearly $1 million from the USDA for urban forestry, and almost $1.5 million from Homeland Security for additional firefighters.
Recently, we were named one of only 22 finalists for the Department of Commerce’s Recompete pilot program, receiving $500,000 to enhance job opportunities for residents. I must thank Sens. Bob Casey and John Fetterman and U.S. Rep. Susan Wild for their tremendous help in securing these investments from the Biden-Harris administration, which truly understands the power of cities to affect change.
In 2024, we will tackle challenges head-on and we will celebrate growth and development.
As one of the Lehigh Valley’s most prolific runners, pedestrian safety has always been important to me. When Angela Yowakim was killed crossing the street trying to get to work in 2022, our whole community recognized the importance of pedestrian safety.
The federal grant will help us develop a plan with a goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries, but we have already begun to take action to slow traffic in Allentown. We have installed speed boards by Cedar Beach, invested in upgrades to crosswalks, and stepped up enforcement of traffic laws. You can expect more of that in 2024, as well as even more traffic calming near our schools and a citywide commitment to slowing it down. We are going to make our streets safer for every child, every runner, every resident.
Daily, I reflect on the balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability in an urban setting like Allentown. Our residents face many immediate challenges, and sometimes climate change seems secondary.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s report, naming the Lehigh Valley as the worst place in America for asthma sufferers, makes our urban forestry initiative critical. This effort goes beyond enhancing our tree canopy; it is about improving air quality, reducing heat islands, and raising property values. In 2024, we will engage young people in equitable tree-planting programs to boost public health. Our goal is not just a greener Allentown, but a city where asthma is not an everyday battle.
The greatest responsibility of a city government is the public safety of a community. From Day 1, I’ve focused my administration on supporting our first responders. In 2023, we improved equipment for paramedics, increased staffing levels for firefighters and began planning for an upgraded police station at City Hall. The federal grant will help us increase our investment in firefighter staffing. In 2024, we begin planning for a desperately needed new Central Fire Station and upgrades to support the police. Our investments go beyond equipment and staffing. It is about ensuring that when you need help, Allentown answers swiftly, skillfully, and effectively.
As a mayor with a long history in economic development, I tend to look at things through that lens. Jobs keep our community safer; business investment generates tax revenue that allows us to maintain our streets; and entrepreneurial activity brings vibrancy to our communities.
Our Recompete plan could have the greatest impact on the future of Allentown, as well as that of the Lehigh Valley. We will continue to develop the strategy, but right now we are focused on increasing skills training, improving our child care capacity, developing new transportation options, and building infrastructure that will increase our residents’ access to good jobs. In 2024, we will push hard for an investment of up to $50 million in that effort (and I feel really good about our chances).
There’s so much more happening with downtown development (DaVinci and the Archer Music Hall), continued parks investment, and increased collaboration with our residents and businesses, but space is short!
Thanks to you all for the reminder to focus on hope for our beautiful Allentown. It’s going to be a good year if we all focus on the work and on being kind.
The federal grant will help us develop a plan with a goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries, but we have already begun to take action to slow traffic in Allentown.