The Department of Community and Economic Development is the interface to the community, the twenty-five municipalities in Lehigh County, our neighboring counties and the economic development partners in the region. The department was restructured in January of 2006 to promote the economic development and well-being of the community by focusing on urban revitalization, regional partnerships, job creation initiatives, housing programs, grant management and quality of life initiatives.
Successful regional cooperation will not only result in more cost effective and efficient services but also a better quality of life for the citizens of Lehigh County. In keeping with this philosophy the county created the Regional Initiative Grant, which will be administered through the Department of Community and Economic Development. This program is funded by county dollars and is intended for projects that have a regional component or incorporate some form of regional cooperation.
Eligible Organizations
Lehigh County municipalities.
Preference will be given to those applicants that present a plan that demonstrates a positive regional impact and/or promotes regional cooperation.
Plans should facilitate effective means of developing shared services and overall coordination between the county, municipalities and other public or private entities.
Required Match
Lehigh County will fund up to 50% of a municipality’s cost up to a maximum of $8,000.00. The match by the applicant may not include any funds received from other Lehigh County sources.
This is a reimbursable grant and payment will not be made until a contract for the services has been executed. The overall county grant requested will be submitted along with the total cost of the project and other funding sources.
Eligible Activities
Regional initiatives that share services or efficiencies in zoning ordinance codification, joint purchasing, regional planning, fire services, police, and land use are some examples of possible activities.
Eligibility may include joint preliminary studies and actual shared services. Each request will be judged on the merits of its feasibility.
Application Deadline