Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Monroe County, Pennsylvania public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues with high priority
Opioid settlement recovery grants
The county is putting $166,300 of opioid settlement money toward three treatment and recovery organizations, including Path to Peace, Northbound and the Carbon-Monroe-Pike Drug & Alcohol Commission.
Monroe County Housing Needs Assessment
The county adopted its $489,652.92 Act 137 affordable housing trust fund budget for fiscal 2026, funding housing programs through real estate transfer fees.
FY 2026 Community Development Block Grant
The county's $391,735 federal block grant will mostly go toward fixing up 11 to 13 owner-occupied homes for low- and moderate-income residents. The application goes to the state October 30, with a resolution vote October 21.
New county water tank
The county accepted a $1.84 million COSTARS proposal from Mid Atlantic Storage Systems for a new water tank and installation — the day's biggest purchase.
Historic preservation after Boys School demolition
A $782,000 demolition grant payment will tear down buildings vacant since the 1990s on Birch Street in East Stroudsburg, and it protects a $1.8 million state redevelopment grant. The site could soon be sold and returned to productive use.
Downtown Stroudsburg public safety concerns
A resident told commissioners violence downtown is escalating weekly and demanded a joint meeting with borough council, the borough manager, police chief Jennifer Lyons and county officials to find solutions. She said she has not received follow-up from the police chief.
287(g) Immigration Agreement Follow-up
Residents asked whether the jail is holding arraigned people up to 48 hours for ICE or sending lists of foreign-born inmates to federal authorities. Chairman Christy said the county has NOT adopted 287(g) and promised to check with the warden.
Sanofi Pasteur gas corridor capital project increase
The county boosted Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding for the Sanofi Pasteur gas corridor project by $4 million through MCIDA. It's a major industrial infrastructure investment at the biotech campus.
Election Integrity Grant Program funding
Vice Chairman Parker said he'll propose guidelines at the Election Board meeting after a conversation between an elected official and a borough employee about election strategy raised concerns about pressuring staff on political matters.
Data centers and rising electric and water costs
The county accepted a new planning guide explaining what data centers are and how towns should evaluate proposals. It's educational only — it doesn't regulate anything — and will be posted on the county website for residents and municipalities.
July 4th storm recovery resources
Businesses hit by the July 4th storms and power outages can apply for SBA low-interest disaster loans, and residents can tap a new $50,000 Realtors Relief grant (capped at $1,000 each). A relief center at the Middle Smithfield community center is open through August 21.
Foster family shortage
The county locked in $84,554 in rapid rehousing contracts and up to $340,000 in group home and therapy services for children and youth placed by the courts.
Goose Pond Dam rehabilitation funding
The county is seeking $2.8 million in federal Community Project Funding to rehabilitate the Goose Pond Dam for fiscal years 2027-2028.
Gun safety youth survey and PCCD funding
Dr. Toleno reported two gun-safety sessions reached about 60 people each, with cable gun locks given to participants — and he and John Jakobsen will testify before the PA House Judiciary Committee on April 13 about the grant program's success.
Hazard mitigation plan adoption
A resident argued the federal and local emergency management plans leave ordinary residents out — no guidance on where to go or how skilled people can help during a disaster. The Vice Chairman pointed him to the Salvation Army, Red Cross, and volunteer fire companies.
Northampton Community College Pocono Campus Future
Rumors spread that the Pocono campus is closing. The college president came in person to say it isn't — but enrollment has shifted online, staff is being right-sized, and the campus is revamping programs and partnerships to survive the 'demographic cliff.'
Rural EMS certification training
A new MOU with Eastern PA EMS Council funds BLS and ALS initial certification classes aimed at rural areas — a step toward the local EMS staffing shortage.