Business News

Easton officials announced the launch of nonprofit HOME Easton and the start of a new Landlord-Tenant Engagement Program on Wednesday, with the goal to address affordable housing and improve the rental scene in the city.

City planners meet at 5 p.m. Thursday at Bethlehem Town Hall, 10 E. Church St. The proposal for the former Wells Fargo is listed fourth on an agenda of five items.

Lehigh Valley residents attended a state Public Utility Commission hearing on Tuesday to oppose a proposed rate increase by PPL Electric Utilities. It would be the first rate increase in almost a decade.

Testimony began Monday in hearings that could decide what sort of businesses are allowed at homes throughout North Whitehall Township — and whether one resident’s long-running car repair business can keep operating.

The developer behind a proposed 37-story skyscraper in Allentown asked planning officials for another delay.

Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners approved a $36.7 million budget for 2026 Monday. Several residents attended the meeting to oppose the real estate tax increase, the first in the township since 2019.

The Allentown Parking Authority, state Sen. Nick Miller, D-Lehigh/Northampton, and the City of Allentown have opened a request for proposals for the redevelopment of the 100 block of North Seventh Street.

Northampton County Council passed its $503 million budget for 2026 Thursday night, keeping taxes stable for the eighth year in a row.

General real estate taxes will stay flat in South Whitehall Township next year, its fire tax will rise 0.28 of a mill and residents will see a new 0.1% income tax to fund open space preservation.

The Lehigh Valley is projected to have significant increases in employment and population up to 2050.

After six years of work, The Commodore has officially opened its doors in Easton, offering luxury apartments, Thyme Rooftop Grille, and retail spaces.

The Morning Call Guild on Thursday will join seven other Tribune Publishing newsrooms across the country, including the Chicago Tribune and the Orlando Sentinel, in a one-day walkout.

Nowhere Coffee Co. co-owner Lauren Vargas said Upper Macungie Township denied a permit for their planned roastery at 1115 Trexlertown Road, citing a zoning violation.

Glasbern, a Lehigh County property known for its historic cottages, antique farmhouse, restored stables and barns and ponds, is now part of the Jaindl Companies, owned by David Jaindl.

Speaking at OraSure Technology's Bethlehem Township facility Tuesday, Governor Josh Shapiro laid out an expansive plan to reinvigorate economic development in the Commonwealth.

Lori Campbell, a full-time real estate agent for nearly 40 years, was inducted president of the organization of real estate professionals. She takes over for former president Howard Schaeffer.

An Allentown auto dealer will be installing several charging stations for electric vehicles on its property at 2405 Lehigh St.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro will return to the Lehigh Valley on Tuesday to unveil the state’s new economic development strategy, his office said.

Michael Keim was elected Monday as chairman of the board of directors of Lehigh Valley Public Media. Keim is president of Univest Bank and Trust and chief operating officer of Univest Financial Corp.

A lack of educators, a retiring generation, and a pandemic that produced stress and burnout all have contributed to the shortage of health care workers, such as nurses. Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke's University Health Network are both focused on attracting new talent.

The Hotel Bethlehem's ice cream parlor Sunday debuted the Ryan Crookham sundae, named after a Lehigh University wrestler. The hotel signed a name, image and likeness deal with the wrestler last month.

The long dormant Dixie Cup factory may soon be repurposed into an apartment and retail space, as a new developer moves further along in the process than ever before.