Issues

HOUSING

Addressing our Affordable Housing Crisis while maintaining our Unique Neighborhoods and Rich History

Bethlehem has a wealth of history and charm throughout our downtown and our unique neighborhoods from the north, west, and Southside. Our City should retain its historic roots, while working towards ensuring those who live here can stay here. As such, the Mayor must work to preserve our historic charm, while preventing the destruction of our unique neighborhoods. Given our recent designation as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, historic preservation is more vital than ever!

New building in Bethlehem must balance progress with preserving our history.

It is vital the Mayor’s office advocates for affordable housing for working class individuals and families to sustain and strengthen our existing neighborhoods. All while ensuring those who own homes can afford to stay in their homes.

One area the current administration has failed the City is its usage of Consultants’ opinions as opposed to residents and those who work in the field. While other Cities in the Lehigh Valley have worked with affordable housing non-profits and residents, Bethlehem has instead preferred to hire expensive consultants from out of town. Those municipalities have moved forward on projects to address housing, while Bethlehem does not even have shovels in the ground.

Grace will ensure growth is transparent, fiscally responsible, and prioritizes the needs of Bethlehem’s communities.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Bethlehem has a long history of being a perfect place for working class families to settle down. For most of our recent history, tax increases have been rare and only occurred when needed. Unfortunately, that is not the case with the current Mayoral Administration. Having passed a 2.6% property tax increase as well as an 8% sewer increase at the same time as the Mayor saying “the city is in the best financial position in a long time” AND having $35 million in Covid funds, is just one example of the current Administration's political doublespeak. Residents are still fighting inflation. If the City is in such a great financial position, why are residents asked to pay more of the City’s financial burdens while they are already struggling? That’s why Grace stood up and voted against the property tax increase.

The Current Administration has a habit of spending taxpayer dollars on outside consultants, for instance, the Administration has spent over $1,000,000 dollars on consultants within the Community and Economic Development Committee alone. They have also spent over $300,000 on the Affordable Housing committee, with our city having no results to show for it. Your tax dollars should be working hard for you, not disappearing into bureaucratic waste.

Transparent Funding

Grace is supported financially and otherwise by individuals within the community, small businesses, and unions. She has never taken funding from developers, contractors, large law firms, or consultants and She NEVER will.

ACCESSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY AT CITY HALL

Rebuilding Trust in Bethlehem’s Government

Bethlehem deserves a mayor who is accessible and accountable, not one who ignores residents and colleagues at the city. Grace will be a Mayor for all of us, she will always have an open door policy and be willing to collaborate with anyone to advance the City. In a City the size of Bethlehem it should be easy to access the Mayor and their Administration regarding any issue. As such, Grace will ensure her office is open to the public and will continue to respond to the requests of the community and always conduct business in a respectful manner.

Too many promises have been broken—Grace Crampsie Smith stands by her commitments, and doesn’t shift positions for political convenience. She’ll always follow through. Grace will bring transparent, responsive leadership, ensuring Bethlehem’s government works for the people, not for those behind closed doors. Grace is about Power to, Not Over, The People. Grace will serve Bethlehem, not political insiders and special interests.

On City Council, Grace has always put residents first, from affordable housing to public safety. you will always know where she stands. Grace will make decisions based on what’s right for Bethlehem, not what’s easiest for those in power.