The Morning Call: Biden administration helping Allentown overcome multiple challenges

Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk

As mayor of Allentown, I spend a lot of time with residents who want to see improvements in our city. I’ve consoled the families of pedestrians killed by cars on unsafe streets, spoken with mothers who would work if they had convenient and affordable child care, read with young people interested in adapting to a changing climate and empathized with young parents looking for affordable housing. Thanks to the Biden-Harris administration, Allentown and its residents have the tools and funding needed to address the complex challenges we face, together. With their fifth Investing in America tour kicking off this week, it’s a great time to highlight how investments have fueled our growth.

Allentown’s infrastructure dates back more than 100 years, from storm pipes to municipal buildings. Thanks to President Biden’s efforts to deliver funds directly to cities under the American Rescue Plan Act, Allentown received $57 million for many of those needs. We invested in water treatment, repaired city buildings, purchased ambulances and planned upgrades to police and fire headquarters. Notably, $2.3 million was allocated to establish a new fire academy and emergency operations center to train first responders across Eastern Pennsylvania. These investments in concrete, steel and safer communities improve our quality of life and help us flourish.

Like the rest of the country, Allentown has seen an increase in road fatalities due to unsafe streets. Under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law we received $312,000 through the Safe Streets for All Action program, which will be used to develop a comprehensive safety action plan. This plan aims to achieve zero road fatalities and serious injuries by 2030, ensuring our residents can move freely through the city without fear. This is the city our children deserve.

The Biden Administration’s commitment to economic recovery has focused on getting people back to work in good jobs. In Allentown, we face lower-than-average labor force participation and higher-than-average unemployment, particularly among people aged 25-54. Our prime age employment gap is 6.1%, placing us among distressed communities across the country. Under the CHIPS and Science Act, Allentown prepared a plan to address this gap. Through the Recompete Pilot Program, we received $500,000 to develop our strategy and have been selected to apply for a second round of funding that could bring $20 million to our region. We will use these funds to invest in skills development, expand child care options, and improve transportation and economic infrastructure to bring jobs to Allentown.

Allentown is committed to building a sustainable future, and federal support has been crucial in advancing our climate goals. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, which is helping Allentown prepare for the electrification of its vehicle fleet and take steps toward more efficient energy use in city buildings and operations.

Additionally, the Biden-Harris administration delivered the most significant action on clean energy and climate change the United States has ever taken with the Inflation Reduction Act. Through this legislation Allentown received $920,800 to inventory and strengthen our urban forest, focusing on trees in public rights of way. These efforts will improve air quality, reduce urban heat islands and provide residents with more opportunities to connect with nature. By prioritizing sustainability we ensure Allentown remains a healthy, vibrant place to live for generations to come.

One of the most significant challenges cities across the United States face is housing, and Allentown is no different. Recently, one of President Biden’s senior advisors visited Bridgeside Estates, where he met the De La Rosa family. They had recently moved into new housing, funded in part by American Rescue Plan Act investments that went to Pennsylvania and Allentown. From a 120-year-old rowhome on Turner Street, the De La Rosa family started the next chapter of their lives in beautiful new construction with a view of the Little Lehigh, at significantly lower expense.

Allentown will be able to see more dreams like that come true through additional funding for affordable housing across the city. We’re also investing American Rescue Plan Act money into a community reinvestment fund designed to support organizations on the frontlines of the battle against homelessness. Our fund will support innovative approaches to keeping people in their homes, helping people experiencing crises and supporting the health of our community.

As you can see Allentown and the Lehigh Valley have directly benefited from major investments in our communities. I urge everyone to consider the track record of the Biden-Harris administration. Their commitment to investing in cities like Allentown has made a tangible difference in our community. Let’s continue to build on this progress by supporting leaders who prioritize our needs and work tirelessly to improve our lives.

I’ve got President Biden’s back, just as he had Allentown’s.

Matt Tuerk is the mayor of Allentown.

Read the original op-ed here.