The mayors of the Lehigh Valley’s three cities recently announced their working partnership is becoming closer and more formalized as they face issues affecting the entire valley. This Three City Coalition is formed to educate and advocate for the public and to endure as an organization even as administrations change.

Mayor William Reynolds recently was joined in the rotunda by Easton Mayor Sal Panto and Allentown Mayor Matt Teurk to explain the basis of their redoubled collaboration.

Reynolds said, “This isn’t about the mayors; it’s about creating a permanent structure between the three cities. Oftentimes administrations change, continuity gets in the way of that progress. We’re trying to build something that is able to elevate the public interest in the three cities that we haven’t traditionally had in the Lehigh Valley. The issues we need to focus on don’t recognize any municipal boundaries.”

Specifically describing issues such as sustainable practices, climate action, homelessness and housing, the mayors are making it a common practice to hold regular virtual and live meetings together, making frequent visits to each others’ communities and pooling staff to brainstorm solutions to bigger challenges.

Municipal boundaries, old vague map lines that have nothing to do with everyday life, are often an obstacle for common sense solutions, Panto said. “The Lehigh Valley is made up of 62 municipalities, but we’re really just one community. People don’t [always] realize where they live. I still get blamed for the Dixie Cup – it’s in Wilson Borough! I would love to help you but it’s not in Easton.”

Panto said the mayors intend to tackle subjects that stretch across geopolitical boundaries, beyond public safety and parks. “We don’t have a department to deal with climate change ... but we do have a desire to get it done for our residents.”

Teurk said, “We’re part of networks, but when we bring our staffs together, that’s where collaboration really has an opportunity to take off. The governor and CEOs respond when all three mayors [approach] together [with] teamwork and lobbying.”

“We’re on the same page and the same team,” said Reynolds.