September 9, 2010

The latest updates on RenewLV's efforts on urban revitalization, smart growth, and regional collaboration. 

Work Continues on Establishing a Regional Health Department

As you may know, the Lehigh Valley Health Commission -- composed of the county legislators in Lehigh and Northampton Counties -- reviewed and voted on the plan and budget for the Lehigh Valley Health Department at the Commission's July 19 meeting. Both items needed to be approved by a majority of legislators in each county. While Lehigh County Commissioners approved the proposal 6-3, it failed to pass in Northampton County by a 2-6 vote. Overall, the Lehigh Valley Health Commission voted 9-8 against the regional health department. For more information, read the coverage of the meeting in the Morning Call and the Express-Times.

The proposal did not pass on July 19 despite the overwhelming public support at the meeting, as supporters packed the room and more than 25 speakers -- many representing organizations with large regional memberships -- expressed their desire to see the regional health department become a reality.

Though the proposal was not approved, the effort to establish a bi-county health department is still alive. The Lehigh Valley Health Commission approved the operating budget for the Board of Health itself until the end of 2010, allowing the Board members to continue working. In the coming months, the Board of Health will be working with county and city officials to see how to move the regional health effort forward, and the Board of Health plans to meet in early October. RenewLV will keep you updated on upcoming meetings and activities of the Board.

Thank you again for your continuous support. We will keep you updated on any future developments regarding the bi-county health department. In the meantime, please feel free to visit RenewLV's Regional Health Initiative page, or, if you have questions or comments, email us at health@renewlv.org.

Back to top

"Building One PA" Summit Lays Groundwork for State and Local Action on Urban Revitalization

Representatives from the Lehigh Valley attended the Building One Pennsylvania summit on July 16, hosted by, among others, 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania and Good Schools PA. The event, held at the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster, brought together 600 attendees from diverse backgrounds and places across the Commonwealth to discuss federal and state policies that affect urban revitalization efforts, and the consequences of fragmented governance and disinvestment in our older communities. Myron Orfield, renowned expert on local government and regional planning and investment, spoke about declining urban cores and the opportunities for renewal. 

The resounding message from the summit was that advocates must continue moving forward on regional collaboration and urban revitalization. On this front, RenewLV will continue its work on raising community and policymaker support for a more balanced transportation network, working to establish a regional health department, and leading the regional collaboration efforts on water/wasterwater resource management in the Lehigh Valley.

To read more about the summit, visit 10,000 Friends of PA online and RenewLV's blog Crossroads. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Building One PA Coalition, e-mail us at smartgrowth@renewlv.org.

Back to top

RenewLV Brown-Bag Session Features Expert Analysis of Pennsylvania's Municipal Finance System

At RenewLV's August 27th brown-bag session, Gerald Cross, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Economy League, Central Division, led a lively discussion on the topic of Pennsylvania's system of municipal finance and its effects on older urban communities. Gerry presented compelling information on the five stages of municipal decline, commenting that "it isn't restricted to cities and, indeed, is a very systemic problem." Audience members -- including Mayor of Easton, Sal Panto, Jr. and State Representative Robert Freeman -- provided their thoughts on opportunities for policy changes and the challenges that lie ahead.

You may listen to recordings of this session and previous sessions, as well as view more pictures, on RenewLV's Multimedia page. Also, you can now listen to the podcast of RenewLV's brown-bag sessions on iTunes -- just search for RenewLV in the Podcast Directory.

Thank you to the Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society for allowing us to use their space at the newly opened Sigal Museum in Easton. For more information about the Museum (including information about how to become a member), visit their website.

Back to top

RenewLV Recommends

Some recommended online reading:

• The Bellows: Approaching the City. Ryan Avent, an economist, writes about markets, transportation, and urban planning and development.

• Abogo. Discover how transportation impacts the affordability and sustainability of where you live with this website.
  

• Building Neighborhoods. A project of the United Neighborhood Centers of America (UNCA), this blog provides in-depth coverage and unique commentary of federal urban policy.
  

Back to top

About RenewLV

Renew Lehigh Valley is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to strengthen the region's core communities, preserve open space, and create a sustainable and equitable foundation for future growth. RenewLV receives strategic direction from a 50-member Leadership Council and a Board of Directors.

Back to top