Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Allentown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
24 issues in public safety with high priority
Homelessness funding
A homeless commission advocate urged council to restore $100,000 for emergency hotel stays, winter gear, propane, and prevention programs, warning people could freeze to death this winter. Council members noted the money must come via a budget amendment.
Police and Fire Department Civil Service Lists
The certification of police eligibility lists determines who Allentown can hire as patrol officers and promote to Assistant Chief. It directly affects police staffing levels and department leadership.
Police Promotional Testing and Scoring Rubrics
The board will discuss a contract template for outside testing services that run police promotional exams — the process behind future promotions.
School zone flasher upgrades at 26 locations
A $1.9 million grant will upgrade school zone flashers at 26 locations across the city. The bill was introduced and will get a public hearing at a special committee on November 18.
FOP Lawsuit Against City Council
The police union (Queen City FOP Lodge No. 10) has sued city council, and council hired outside attorney David L. Hackett of Cozen O'Connor to defend it.
Council legal defense in FOP lawsuit
The police union has sued City Council, and Council will vote on hiring Cozen O'Connor to represent it. Legal costs and the underlying dispute could affect city finances and labor relations.
Public Safety and Departmental Personnel Review
Council members are examining proposed personnel summaries and budget allocations for police, fire, and emergency medical services. This review ensures public safety departments have the necessary staffing and resources for the upcoming year.
EMS staffing crisis and mandated overtime
EMS runs with 44 full-timers, mandated overtime has doubled, and ambulances are browned out twice as often as last year. The budget adds two paramedics, but the chief says seven more are really needed.
Police Pension Fund Board Designees
City officials are updating municipal code to allow the mayor, finance director, and city controller to appoint staff members to represent them on the police pension board. The change prevents quorum issues following recent staff vacancies.
Public Works Salt Shed Replacement and Expansion
The city is investing $600,000 to replace its aging salt shed and double storage capacity to 6,000 tons. This upgrade aims to prevent winter supply shortages, avoid emergency price surges, and keep roads safe during heavy snowstorms.
Volunteer Snow Removal Pilot Program
City leaders and community organizers discussed bringing back the Snow Angels volunteer program to pair high school students and community volunteers with seniors and vulnerable residents needing sidewalk snow removal.
Dirt Bike and Traffic Enforcement
A long-time resident of South 10th Street raised alarms about chronic speeding, illegal dirt bikes, and blind spots caused by parked cars at intersections.
Surveillance Technology Review and Flock Safety LPR Oversight
Council approved a $10,000 contract with IPVM to independently review the city's automated license plate reader and surveillance systems. The move comes amid public privacy concerns and national reports regarding camera vulnerabilities.
Assistant Police Chief Examination Preparation
The board reviewed examination questions for the high-level Assistant Police Chief promotional test.
Police Conduct and Accountability Allegations
Residents spoke out during public comment demanding transparency and disciplinary records regarding a recent police misconduct investigation.
Municipal Noise Ordinance Updates
Council updated the city noise ordinance to set strict sound level limits for 24/7 continuous operations, addressing low-frequency infrasound and heavy industrial equipment.
Police Pension Prior Service Credit Buyback
The committee reviewed a proposal allowing police officers to purchase pension service credit for prior service with other police departments, impacting retirement benefits and municipal pension obligations.
Tobacco-Free Buffer Zones in Public Parks
City Council enacted a ban on smoking and vaping within 25 feet of all playgrounds and athletic fields to protect children from secondhand smoke while preserving natural park air quality.
Second Fire Academy Funding and Staffing
Allentown is funding a second fire academy this year to fill nine sudden vacancies caused by early retirements and resignations, helping avoid massive overtime costs.
Quality of Life Task Force and Noise Enforcement
Council Member Candida Affa is creating a dedicated task force of residents, city staff, and police to tackle persistent neighborhood nuisances like loud vehicles, illegal dumping, and trash. The group aims to find practical solutions and recommend targeted local legislation without relying solely on punitive fines.
Police Department Equipment and Grant Funding
Allentown police are applying for over $1.1 million in state grants to buy a new mobile command post vehicle, firearms, and ballistic shields.
Mental Health and Crisis Response Collaboration
Leaders reviewed community intervention specialist programs, 988 access, and mental health support for first responders to bridge gaps between public safety and health services.
2025 Crime Statistics and Incident Reporting
Police Chief Charles Roca reported encouraging crime numbers for 2025, showing drops in both violent and property crime across Allentown. The police department is also rolling out new data dashboards to keep council members better informed about neighborhood incidents.
Police Chief Appointment
Allentown just swore in Charles Roca as its new police chief, making history as the city's first Latino leader in law enforcement. It's a big step forward for a city looking to bridge gaps between leadership and its diverse community.