Allentown

Allentown's governance focus centers on revenue diversification and infrastructure management. The 2026 budget prioritizes earned income tax ($47.6 million), real estate tax ($40.7 million), and business privilege tax ($13.1 million) as primary revenue sources, with parking fees ($7.1 million) representing a significant supplemental revenue stream. Notable trends include substantial increases in solid waste fund revenues (43% rise from 2024 to 2025, driven by trash collection rate adjustments) and parks & recreation budget expansion ($552,000 increase in 2025), reflecting prioritization of municipal services. Industrial development activity persists, evidenced by Sysco's tenant fitout project in Hanover Township, indicating continued commercial investment in the region. The city maintains transparent governance structures with regular public meetings and full compliance with Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, while operational focus remains balanced between service delivery and fiscal sustainability.