“I can tell you that Bethlehem, in every way, compared to 5, 10, 15, 20 years ago, is in a better place.” With these words, Mayor William Reynolds began his annual address for invited guests, representing every facet of the city, April 11 at SteelStacks.

Backed by key city officials, Reynolds reinforced his message about how the city has kept up with the times, reinventing itself in a prosperous way. He elaborated on how Bethlehem is fortunate to have leaders, both in the private sector and public institutions, “who understand how to come up with a plan that is going to work.”

He praised those leaders, saying, “Around here, dreams aren’t dreams. Dreams become reality.”

The reduction of the city’s debt from $170 million in 2015 to below $100 million in 2024, and what this means, was highlighted as a success story.

“We are paying off that debt and we are being responsible in the way we do it,” Reynolds said. He said recent grants help the Broad Street renewal ($10 million), ArtsQuest ($900,000) and Friendship Park ($750,000), due to the help of federal and state officials.

Director of Community and Economic Development Laura Collins reinforced the important partnerships helping the city prosper, telling private sector attendees, “You create jobs. You foster innovation. You allow opportunities for growth and you contribute to our overall vibrant economy and our vibrant community.”

From the number of permits to the value of each project, she praised the positive and innovative ways the private sector has partnered with the city in a win-win situation.

Director of the Mayor’s Initiatives Angela Stein highlighted city investments in 2023, including event permits, first responders, health services, new water meters and roads.

Her colleague, Director of Equity and Inclusion Janine Santoro highlighted We Build Bethlehem, one of the initiatives created out of the city’s share of the Great American Rescue Plan.

Feedback from residents helped determine priority areas to help community partners with the distribution of $750,000 to employee salaries, as well as supplies to help them survive and prosper.

Bethlehem State of the City 2024 ended with Reynolds reminding everyone, “We all can get worn down by the same person. We all can all get worn down by the one issue in the private sector and in the public sector.” But one just has to look around at the many local success stories and community support to have confidence in the city, he said.