Chicken Little got it wrong. Although Allentown's next mayor may face daunting challenges in bringing safety to the city's streets, in revitalizing the business district, in rebuilding shabby neighborhoods, even in finding a way to help Allentown's struggling schools, the successor to William L. Heydt will inherit a fiscally sound city. Development almost everywhere outside center city is robust. Real estate is hot. Property taxes are no longer the region's highest.
Revenues are on the increase.
Careful management of city finances will probably make it possible for the next mayor to keep the tax rate in check, or at least to avoid major increases. Unlike Scranton, Chester and 11 other Pennsylvania communities, Allentown is no where near making the state's list of financially distressed municipalities. Allentown bond ratings are tops. Perhaps best of all, Allentown's range and number of businesses large and small has historically kept the local economy healthy even during periods of recession. Through wage and income taxes, that benefits the city directly.