ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk is running for a second term.
It’s long been expected — and reported — that Tuerk would seek four more years in the city’s top job, but he made it official Thursday night at the Da Vinci Science Center.
After his introduction by state Rep. Peter Schweyer, the mayor rattled off a list of accomplishments for his administration since taking office in 2022.
Among the highlights of his tenure are three years without a tax increase and a decrease in crime.
Tuerk attributed that decrease to the Allentown Police Department to having “consistent” leadership for the first time in a decade.
Chief Charles Roca was promoted to top cop in December 2021, after five people filled the leadership role in the department over the past eight years.
The mayor pointed to millions in federal funding he’s helped secure for the city, including a $20 million grant to boost employment by making it easier for residents in distressed Allentown neighborhoods to enter the workforce.
“That’s why I’m running for re-election. While we made tremendous progress, the most important chapters in Allentown’s stories are yet to be written.”Mayor Matt Tuerk
He called it the largest competitive federal grant the city has ever received.
Tuerk also touted his administration's work to maintain services for residents while keeping taxes flat during his first three years as mayor.
“The reason that we can do that is because we do a phenomenal job managing the city’s finances,” he said, highlighting a rare bond-rating upgrade by Moody's.
During last fall’s budgeting process for 2024, Tuerk proposed a 6.9% tax increase that was rejected by council. Members then passed a 2024 budget without any tax increase, but the mayor vetoed that spending plan.
Council also rejected two smaller counterproposals by Tuerk before he let the budget take effect without a tax increase — or his signature.
Allentown's 'most important chapters' ahead: Tuerk
Tuerk offered a snapshot of his priorities and pitch as works to win voters’ support over the next few months.
“The challenges ahead are not simple. This is the era of complex problems — wicked problems: making our streets safer, keeping our city affordable, maintaining our infrastructure,” he said.
“That’s why I’m running for re-election. While we made tremendous progress, the most important chapters in Allentown’s stories are yet to be written.”
Tuerk so far has two challengers for his seat, both from city council.
Member Ed Zucal is expected to formally announce his mayoral campaign on Monday at Ritz Barbecue and Allentown Fairgrounds Hotel.
Council President Cynthia Mota is also running for mayor, she confirmed Thursday to LehighValleyNews.com.
