The City Council voted 5–1 (with one recusal) on Sept. 16 to transfer $150,000 from a downtown-initiative fund to support a World Heritage site manager position that Moravian University has agreed to host. The ordinance amending the 2025 general fund budget was sponsored by Councilmembers Wilhelm and Leon and drew heated discussion from members concerned about using downtown funds for a position Moravian had offered to host.

The vote: Kwiatak, Leon, Wilhelm, Callahan and Colon voted yes; Councilwoman Kramsey Smith voted no; Councilwoman Laird recused herself because she is employed by Moravian University. The measure passed with a 5–1 vote and 1 recusal.

What the transfer covers and why the city said yes
City staff described the transfer as a start-up contribution to help fund the site manager position and related start-up needs while a longer-term operating model and nonprofit structure for the World Heritage program are organized. Staff said Moravian is hosting the position and providing substantial in-kind support (website, communications, office space and other services) valued at roughly $531,000 over the recent period, and that the $150,000 transfer is intended to supplement Moravian’s in-kind services while a dedicated nonprofit fundraising structure is put in place.

Laura Collins, the city’s Community and Economic Development director, told council that the university’s in-kind support includes communications, marketing, student and staff time and other technical support and that the city’s contribution would help create “a glide path” that allows a new site manager to establish operations and begin grant and fundraising work.

Debate on council
Opponents of the transfer voiced two principal objections: that the downtown-initiative fund was created to address capital and repair needs for the downtown business districts, and that Moravian University — which will host the position and provide significant in-kind support — has an endowment and should cover the ongoing costs. Supporters countered that the city’s contribution is a near-term, strategic investment to get the site operational and to help secure future grant revenue and private donations that should make the effort self-sustaining.

Vote mechanics and recusal
Councilwoman Laird announced a recusal before the vote, citing her employment at Moravian and participation in World Heritage work. The roll call showed the ordinance passed, with the lone recorded no vote from Councilwoman Kramsey Smith.

Why it matters: the UNESCO designation is expected to raise Bethlehem’s profile for heritage tourism and to create new partnership opportunities for cultural programming; the city and partners face start-up costs before revenue from tourism or grants materializes.

Next steps: staff said the city and Moravian will continue building a governance and fundraising plan, with a goal of creating a 501(c)(3) or other sustainable structure to support operations beyond the initial city contribution.