Allentown · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Allentown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 City Budget and Property Tax Increase
The proposed $257.3 million budget includes a $153 million general fund and a millage rate of 7.67, costing most residents about $1.75 a month more. Cuts to parks, health, and other departments offset expiring police and fire grants and inflation.
Property Tax Increase
Allentown's mayor wants to bump property taxes up by 3.81% in the 2027 budget. To balance things out, the city is also planning to cut spending on police staff, public works fuel, and various studies.
Budget and Taxes
Allentown is proposing a 3.81% property tax bump and a 10% budget slash across all departments to close a funding gap. Mayor Matt Tuerk defends the move, saying the extra couple of bucks a month per household is vital to keep police, fire, and EMS running smoothly.
County Budget
Lehigh County is pushing forward with a preliminary 2027 budget that features a huge 17% tax hike, and a final vote is happening soon. If you own property or pay taxes in the area, this is going to hit your wallet hard.
SS4A Safety Grant Appropriation (Tilghman St & Union Blvd)
The city is receiving a partial reimbursement grant of $1.1 million to fund major safety and implementation projects on Tilghman Street and Union Boulevard.
Love Your Block Grant Appropriation
The city was scheduled to accept a $60,000 grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies to fund neighborhood improvement projects through the Love Your Block program.
Property Taxes
Allentown just ranked near the top nationwide for brutal property taxes, meaning local leaders are about to feel a ton of heat to finally fix the broken tax system.