This is an agency established by the State Department of Environmental Resources.  The board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. and supervises the operations of the Soil Conservation District in Lehigh County.  The terms of office are for four years.

2. LEHIGH VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION

The Planning Commission is composed of elected officials from Lehigh and Northampton counties who, along with non-elected members, conduct the land use, transportation, and environmental planning of the Planning Commission.  The commission meets the last Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. Citizen terms of office are for four years and elected officials serve one-year terms.

3. LEHIGH-NORTHAMPTON TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

The Lehigh-Northampton Transportation Authority is a board responsible for operating and maintaining all LANTA bus service in the two county area.  This board meets the third Tuesday of every month at noon. The terms of office are for five years.

4. LEHIGH COUNTY AGING/ADULT SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD

The Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services Advisory Council meets the third Thursday of every other month at noon. Members participate in special committees to interact with staff and better understand agency operations, programs and services as well as keep pace with the many changes in funding, state regulations and general program requirements. The purpose of the council is to advocate for the continuing needs of the aging population, evaluate unmet needs, assist in formulating program policy and services and monitor existing services. The term of office is four years.

5. LEHIGH COUNTY DRUG & ALCHOHOL ABUSE ADVISORY BOARD

This board acts in an advisory capacity to the county’s Drug and Alcohol program under the Department of Human Services.  The advisory board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 8 a.m. and the term of office is three years. Each board member is required to serve on at least one sub-committee of the advisory board.

6. OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD

These members provide advice to the Office of Children and Youth Services.  Board meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month (excluding July and August) at 8 a.m.  Each board member is required to serve on at least one sub-committee of the advisory board.  Each sub-committee requires members to attend meetings throughout the year in addition to the monthly meetings. The term of office is for three years.

7. BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS

This is a paid board position established by the Lehigh County charter to hear the appeals of individual property owners on their assessment.  The board meets when necessary depending on the number of appeals. The terms of office are for four years.

8. LEHIGH COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY

This board operates subsidized housing units outside the City of Allentown.  The terms of the Housing Authority are five years and the board meets every third Wednesday of the month at noon.

9. LEHIGH COUNTY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

This is an organization responsible for financing industrial development bonds to enhance the economic development of the county.  The board meets the fourth Tuesday of the month and terms are for five years.

10. LEHIGH COUNTY AUTHORITY

Operates the water system in western Lehigh County, as well as the sewer interceptor running from Fogelsville to Allentown.  Regular meetings are the fourth Monday of each month at noon and the terms of office are for five years.

Responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Lehigh Valley International Airport.  The board is a joint county body.  Regular meetings of the board are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at noon and the terms of office are for five years.

12. MENTAL HEALTH/INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES ADVISORY BOARD

The board, mandated by the MH/MR Act of 1966, acts in an advisory capacity to the MH/MR Program of MH/MR/D&A/HealthChoices under the Department of Human Services.  Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month in the Lehigh County Government Center from noon to 1:30 p.m.  Terms of office are for three years. Each board member is required to serve on at least one sub-committee of the advisory board.

13. STERLING RABER AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION OF LEHIGH COUNTY

This board is responsible for the operation of the county’s agricultural conservation easement program.  The board determines which properties and areas to pursue farmland preservation activities.  The board meets on the third Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. Terms of office are for three years. All appointments are made by the Board of Commissioners.

14. SMALL BUSINESS REVOLVING LOAN FUND ADMINISTRATION

This board administers a loan pool for small business development.  Based at Lehigh University, the board consists of representatives from Northampton County, Lehigh County, and the cities of Bethlehem and Easton. The board meets the first Thursday of every other month.  Terms are determined with each appointment.

15. COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY COMMITTEE (CEDS)

This Committee is a joint, regional effort of Lehigh and Northampton counties, providing crucial oversight on regional economic development planning.  CEDS is a result of the counties’ Economic Development Offices working in tandem with the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission and Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation.  The terms of office are for three years. The committee meets quarterly on the third Tuesday of the month at noon.

16. LEHIGH COUNTY GENERAL PURPOSE AUTHORITY

This Authority is the financial vehicle for tax-free borrowing for local institutions such as the Allentown Art Museum and Phoebe-Devitt Nursing Home.  The terms of office are five years and the authority meets when a request for financing is received.