Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds did not dominate the spotlight during the annual State of the City report, held at ArtsQuest’s SteelStacks, the morning of April 3. He was accompanied by senior members of his staff, each reporting on their department’s achievements. About 400 people attended.

This yearly event was hosted and organized by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. Guests were welcomed and introduced by Bethlehem Chamber Senior Vice President of Initiatives Tammy Wending and Senior Vice President for Member Relations & Sales Gina Martens. Chamber President Tony Iannelli proudly reminded the crowd, “This is the sixth largest chamber in the United States.”

Speakers from Reynolds’ administration included Director of Equity & Inclusion Janine Carambot Santoro, Police Chief Michelle Kott, Fire Chief Michael Reich, Director of Community Development and Economic Development Laura Collins, and Deputy Director of Community Development Sara Satullo.

During his four-year term, Reynolds was tasked with leading the city into a post-pandemic economy, and his staff proclaimed many successes: Paying off 48 percent of the city’s prior debt, maintaining a high bond rating, more jobs/less unemployment, a modernized fire department and hiring additional police and firefighters.

The city was also named as one of the 100 top places to live and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Reynolds’ plans for the future of Bethlehem include developing the infrastructure by creating safe and accessible bike trails. He said, “Streets are for people, not just cars.”

He said he wants to create a culture of safety for both bikes and pedestrians.

Reynolds is up for reelection and will be on this May’s primary ballot.