History of Public Participation

Bethlehem's Commitment to Climate Action

Bethlehem has a long history of supporting climate action and leading by example. Starting in 2006 with the Three City Proclamation, our city government has since committed to numerous initiatives, including the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, the We Are Still In initiative, and the Sierra Club’s Mayors For 100% Clean Energy. These efforts have already reduced municipal emissions by 37 percent from 2005 to 2017.

In February 2017, City Council unanimously passed a resolution endorsing the creation of a Climate Action Plan. With input from community stakeholders and the Bethlehem Environmental Advisory Council (EAC), the final document was released on April 12, 2021.
Read the project’s stakeholder engagement plan.

The history of CAP public participation on developing the plan beginning on December 9, 2020, until it's release April 12, 2021.

Public Meetings:

• Annual Update Meeting 
  • For our 2024 Climate Action Plan update, please click the link below: 
    • www.youtube.com/live/XroCmSbUloA?si=YWeG1-xPobeH_0K2
• Third and Final Virtual Public Planning Meeting: December 9, 2020 
  • The third public meeting on the CAP was held as a webinar at two separate times on December 9 to maximize accessibility. If you missed the sessions, please see the materials below:
    • Meeting presentation slides (both sessions.
    • Session 1 materials: recording.
    • Session 2 materials: recording.
  • At the meeting the City and consultant WSP presented a draft of Bethlehem’s climate action plan, including its objectives, strategies, and proposed implementation approach. The plan addresses a range of sectors, from buildings to transportation to education, with a focus on environmental justice considerations. A period of public comment on the draft follows the virtual meeting. Use the form above to share your thoughts on what is included in the plan.
• Second Virtual Public Planning Meeting: October 7, 2020 
  • The second public meeting on the CAP was held as a webinar at two separate times on October 7 to maximize accessibility. If you missed the sessions, please see the materials below:
    • Meeting presentation slides (both sessions). 
    • Session 1 materials: transcripción de la reunión en español, recording.
    • Session 2 materials: recording.
  • At the meeting the City and consultant WSP presented draft climate action strategies for a range of sectors, from buildings to transportation to education, with a focus on environmental justice considerations. Participants were then asked to share their ideas and priorities for goals and strategies..
• First Public Virtual Meeting: June 17, 2020
  • The first public meeting on the CAP was held as a webinar at two separate times on June 17 to maximize accessibility. If you missed the sessions, please see the materials below:
    • Meeting presentation slides (both sessions).
    • Session 1 materials: meeting transcript in English,  transcripción de la reunión en español.
    • Session 2 materials: meeting transcript.
  • During the meeting, consultants WSP and Nurture Nature Center reviewed the projected impacts of climate change on Bethlehem, introduced the climate action planning process, and provided information about actions the City has already taken to address climate change. Participants were then asked to share their thoughts on the goals and priorities they hope to see reflected in the plan.
• An additional public meeting is planned for November. Details will be published here when these dates are announced.