City of Bethlehem

11/03/2026

Take a look at Hector Castro’s new mural inside the Walnut Street Parking Garage! Hector ( talks about the Bethlehem landmarks he included and what he hopes people take away from it.

Thanks to Hector, the Bethlehem Parking Authority (), the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce (), and everyone who came out for the unveiling and ribbon cutting!

You can check it out on the first floor of the garage at 33 W. Walnut Street in downtown Bethlehem.

10/30/2026

🎓🚔 Congratulations to the City of Bethlehem Police Department's 2026 Citizens Police Academy Graduates! 🚔🎓

On Wednesday, October 28th, the Bethlehem Police Department proudly celebrated the graduation of twelve community members who successfully completed our 2026 Citizens Police Academy!

Beginning September 9th, these twelve individuals dedicated their Wednesday evenings to an eight-week program designed to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the Bethlehem Police Department. Throughout the academy, participants experienced a variety of classroom instruction, interactive discussions, hands-on training, and demonstrations that offered insight into our daily operations, capabilities, and challenges.

🤝 Building Relationships and Strengthening Our Community

While the academy provides an opportunity to learn about law enforcement, its greatest purpose is to bring our officers and community members closer together. We believe that building trust, encouraging open communication, and developing mutual understanding are essential to creating a stronger and safer Bethlehem.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this program is the opportunity to get to know the people we serve while allowing them to get to know us beyond the badge.

💙 To Our Twelve Graduates — Thank You!

We understand that time is valuable, and we sincerely appreciate each of you for choosing to spend eight consecutive Wednesday evenings with us. Your enthusiasm, participation, and willingness to learn made this academy a success. Quite simply, we couldn't do this without you!

We hope you enjoyed the experience, gained a better understanding of your police department, and developed relationships that will continue long after graduation.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! We are grateful for your participation and proud to have you as part of our Bethlehem Police Department family! 👏🎓

💙 Building Trust. Strengthening Partnerships. Serving Our Community.

10/30/2026

10/29/2026

Happening today! The Bethlehem Health Bureau’s C.O.R.E. Health mobile clinic will be at Elmwood Park from 3–6 p.m., offering health services, support and prevention resources.

No cost, no insurance required and no appointment needed!

10/29/2026

Congratulations to Greg Cryder, the City of Bethlehem’s Electrical Bureau Chief, on receiving Northampton County’s Outstanding Municipality Employee award!

Nominated by City administration, Greg was recognized for his dedication to Bethlehem and his extraordinary commitment to making it a true Christmas City.

Affectionately known as “Father Christmas,” Greg voluntarily participates in monthly Christmas City Committee meetings, contributing his time, expertise, creativity and enthusiasm to planning the City’s Christmas season. He is part of the team responsible for decorating Bethlehem for the holidays.

Greg brings joy, positivity and pride to his work, helping create the magical atmosphere residents and visitors associate with Christmas City, USA. His efforts bring people downtown, create cherished memories and contribute to an important part of Bethlehem’s identity and traditions.

Thank you, Greg, for everything you do for our City!

10/28/2026

The Commonwealth’s Premier Revitalization Conference is coming to Bethlehem June 20–23, 2027, at Historic Hotel Bethlehem!

We’re excited to welcome the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC)’s annual conference, which brings hundreds of community leaders from small towns, midsized cities, and urban neighborhood business districts across the state together.

Attendees include professionals in preservation-based economic development and community revitalization, from new and experienced Main Street and Elm Street directors to architects, planners, public officials, and consultants. Volunteers and other community leaders also join to share ideas, make connections, and strengthen their impact.

From our industrial roots to our thriving arts and cultural scene, Bethlehem is a city where history and creativity come together. The 2027 conference theme, heART | Rooted in Heritage. Alive in Culture., celebrates the role heritage, arts, and culture play in shaping the identity and future of our downtowns and communities.

Across Pennsylvania, these elements connect people to place, inspire new opportunities, and build on the stories that make each community unique.

Learn more: https://conference.padowntown.org/

10/27/2026

Art, accessibility, and community connection were at the center of today's Our Art, Our Voices event at the Bethlehem Area Public Library!

The City of Bethlehem was proud to participate in conversations about breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive community for everyone.

Thank you to moderators Robin Gow of QTLV and Susan Schaffer of Disability Dialogue, along with the participants in today's important discussions, including:

• Cathy Fletcher, Director of Planning and Zoning, City of Bethlehem
• Sean Ziller, Deputy Director of Economic Development and ADA Coordinator, City of Bethlehem
• AJ Knee, Director of Planning & Scheduling, LANTA
• Julianna Rodrigues, Community Inclusion for Young Children Project Coordinator, Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living
• Marcus Rolle, Transition and Employment Specialist, The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties

We also thank artists Rain Black, Lynn Donnelly, Maryann Dunwoodie, Michael Freeman, and Salem Sage for sharing their perspectives on art and disability.

A special thank you to the Bethlehem Area Public Library, event organizers, artists, performers, and community members who shared their talents, experiences, and perspectives throughout the day!

10/27/2026

One more thank you to everyone who made the 2026 Bethlehem Halloween Parade such a wonderful day! 🎃 From our participants and volunteers to everyone cheering along the route, thank you for celebrating with us.

Here’s a photo dump from the parade! 📸 Have photos of your own?

Share them in the comments.