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Council appoints Kathy Fletcher as Bethlehem director of planning and zoning
Summary
The Bethlehem City Council voted 6-0 to appoint Kathy Fletcher as director of planning and zoning, effective June 9, 2025; council discussed recruitment and transition support from longtime city employee Darlene Heller.
Kathy Fletcher was appointed director of planning and zoning for the City of Bethlehem in a unanimous 6-0 vote by the Bethlehem City Council on June 3, 2025. The administrative order names the appointment effective June 9, 2025.
Council members said the job carries significant institutional responsibility for zoning and long-range planning in the city. The administration described a multi-stage recruitment process and noted Fletcher’s local ties and academic credentials.
City staff described the recruitment as a multi-step process that included remote and in-person interviews. The administration said Fletcher is a Lehigh University graduate and holds a master’s degree from Boston University. Council members asked whether outgoing longtime employee Darlene Heller participated in the search; the administration said Heller is expected to assist with onboarding after the transition.
Council members voted by roll call: Grama C. Smith, Kwiatak, Laird, Leon, Wilhelm and Colon all recorded “aye.” The appointment passed 6-0.
The administration said, if confirmed, Fletcher would begin work the following Monday and would receive transition support from Heller. No other formal conditions or amendments to the appointment were discussed at the meeting.
