Allentown council approves $200,000 contract to develop first climate action plan

The Allentown City Council on an otherwise unanimous vote authorized a $200,000 contract with WSP USA Inc. to develop the city’s first climate action plan.

The contract, identified in the meeting as R130, directs the consultant to prepare a greenhouse-gas inventory, recommend emission-reduction goals and prioritized measures, and outline climate adaptation strategies, required resources and potential funding mechanisms. Sarah McNeil, an administration staff member who answered council questions, said the contract resulted from a public solicitation and scored through a four-member evaluation team.

Kyle, speaking on behalf of the Allentown Environmental Advisory Council, told the council the plan “represents an important step forward for Allentown” and urged robust community engagement so residents, businesses and institutions can “have a voice in shaping the solutions.” Kyle identified himself as representing the Allentown Environmental Advisory Council and provided his address in the public record.

Council members voted in favor of the contract in a recorded roll call; the meeting transcript shows all present councilmembers voting yes and no nays. The contract award authorizes WSP USA Inc. to begin planning work and to produce deliverables intended to support future funding and implementation decisions.

The council did not attach an implementation schedule or specify which city department will administer the contract during the meeting. Council members and staff indicated the procurement followed the city’s advertised request for proposals and a formal evaluation process.

The public and advisory groups will have opportunities to participate during the plan process, according to the contract description and the public comment urging inclusive engagement.