BETHLEHEM, Pa. (WFMZ) — With a red, white and blue backdrop, this year’s Bethlehem State of the City was all about the American Dream, as the country gears up to celebrate its 250th birthday this summer.
Economic growth, financial progress and future development were the key takeaways during the 2026 Bethlehem State of the City Address. Mayor J. William Reynolds says the city is in a great spot.
“Our city has seen a financial revitalization like no other,” Reynolds stated.
From thriving financially to improving quality of life and opportunity.
“The demand to live here outpaces the supply and what we need to do across the Lehigh Valley and across our city is build more housing because if not, prices are going to continue to rise,” Reynolds told 69 News.
The city recently announced its plan to build a $15 million community center in South Side Bethlehem with the help of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and River Crossing YMCA, where people of all ages and backgrounds can gather.
“We have a lot of smart people in the city who understand what it means to be an American and what it means to believe in this concept of America,” Reynolds concluded.