Lehigh County Executive Outlines Ambitious Agenda in First Address

Siegel proposes 1% sales tax, homelessness emergency declaration, and non-cooperation with ICE

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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In his first State of Lehigh County address, 32-year-old County Executive Josh Siegel laid out an ambitious agenda, including a proposed 1% sales tax increase, a declaration of a homelessness emergency, and a bill ordering non-cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Siegel cited the county's structural budget deficit and the need for more affordable housing as key drivers behind his proposals.

Why it matters

Siegel's proposals represent a significant shift in Lehigh County's approach to local governance, moving it in a more progressive direction. The sales tax increase and homelessness initiatives aim to address longstanding challenges, while the non-cooperation with ICE order signals the county's willingness to push back against federal policies. These actions could have far-reaching impacts on the county's residents and its relationship with state and federal authorities.

The details

Siegel proposed a 1% sales tax increase to generate additional revenue for the county, which has run a structural budget deficit in recent years. He also suggested establishing a Tourism Improvement District to boost local spending and revenue. To address the affordable housing crisis, Siegel vowed to empower local housing authorities to acquire existing housing stock and simplify the permitting process. The county executive also plans to declare a homelessness emergency and explore using the vacant 400-bed Community Corrections Center as temporary housing. Additionally, Siegel announced the county would introduce a bill to limit cooperation with ICE, in response to federal policy changes that he described as "animated by chaos, corruption and cruelty."

  • Siegel delivered his first State of Lehigh County address on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
  • The county's structural budget deficit is expected to reach $5 million by 2027.

The players

Josh Siegel

The 32-year-old County Executive of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, who was elected in November 2025.

Lehigh Valley Planning Commission

The regional planning agency that projects the Lehigh Valley's population will increase by 100,000 by 2050.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that Siegel vowed to limit cooperation with in Lehigh County.

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What they’re saying

“I believe a hard truth is always better than a soft lie. Leadership is about having the courage to suggest real solutions, even when they're difficult. It's about choosing the right path, not the one of least resistance.”

— Josh Siegel, Lehigh County Executive (mcall.com)

“The era of bulldozed encampments and reactionary responses to our homeless residents must end.”

— Josh Siegel, Lehigh County Executive (mcall.com)

“I believe that where there is instability and chaos, Lehigh County must step up to provide stability and certainty.”

— Josh Siegel, Lehigh County Executive (mcall.com)

What’s next

In the coming days, Siegel plans to sign an executive order declaring homelessness a countywide emergency and task county staff to develop a strategic plan to address it.

The takeaway

Siegel's ambitious agenda represents a significant shift in Lehigh County's approach to local governance, with a focus on addressing long-standing challenges like the budget deficit, affordable housing, and homelessness. His proposals to increase revenue, expand housing options, and limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities signal a more progressive and proactive stance for the county.