In a bold commencement for 2026, newly elected Josh Siegel expressed a commitment to unify and uplift the Lehigh County community. Siegel, who has made history as the youngest county executive in Pennsylvania, aims to shift the political landscape towards a more collaborative approach, moving beyond traditional partisan divides.
During his inaugural address, Siegel outlined a vision for his administration, which he has branded as OneLehigh. This initiative seeks to foster a sense of community and shared purpose, emphasizing that collective action can combat the challenges facing residents, including rising living costs and political division.
Addressing Community Challenges
As residents grapple with escalating costs for housing, groceries, and essential public services, Siegel acknowledged the anxieties that permeate the community. He noted that many are entering 2026 with the same concerns that characterized the previous year, particularly regarding affordability and accessibility.
Siegel’s plans focus on addressing these issues head-on. He advocates for regional approaches to public services, including police and fire departments, to lower operational costs. He also aims to enhance housing availability, targeting both the construction of new homes and the acquisition of older properties to prevent corporate entities from displacing families.
“OneLehigh means that locally we must act boldly, decisively, and urgently to reduce the cost of housing and address homelessness,” Siegel stated. This proactive strategy highlights the administration’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of community welfare.
Fostering Civic Engagement and Progress
Siegel emphasized the importance of restoring civic pride and positive patriotism through active community engagement. He underscored the need for defending democracy and expanding access to the ballot box, particularly as public trust in governance wanes. “We must protect access to health care like mental health and addiction treatment and ensure that Cedarbrook remains publicly operated,” he added, referring to the county’s health and rehabilitation facility.
In an era where public confidence is at a low, Siegel aims to inspire a collaborative spirit. He believes that by demonstrating how government can be a force for good, it can help to alleviate the pervasive notion of zero-sum competition that hinders community progress.
“We must show them that the government can be a force for good and not greed,” he asserted. By championing initiatives that prioritize community well-being over profit, Siegel hopes to cultivate a more inclusive and prosperous Lehigh County.
As he embarks on this new chapter, Siegel calls for a renewed commitment from both leaders and citizens. He envisions a Lehigh County where ambition and innovation drive progress, urging all stakeholders to contribute to a shared vision of success that benefits everyone.
Ultimately, Siegel’s administration stands at the intersection of challenge and opportunity, seeking to build a future that honors the county’s rich heritage while addressing contemporary needs. The path forward, as he sees it, hinges on collective effort and an unwavering belief in the potential for positive change.
