University's Small Cities Research Lab Collaborates with Local Communities for Enduring Transformation
Lehigh University's Small Cities Lab (SCL) in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is at the forefront of key projects and initiatives aimed at addressing affordable housing and community-driven urban solutions. The SCL, founded with a focus on small cities' challenges, particularly affordable housing, has evolved into a beacon of innovative, community-driven solutions for strengthening urban environments.
### Key Projects and Initiatives
1. **Alley House Program** The Alley House Program, one of SCL's flagship initiatives, focuses on revitalising Bethlehem’s historic "Alley Houses." Originally built to house industrial workers, these housing units now face challenges due to modern zoning regulations, contributing to a gap in affordable housing. With startup funding and staff support from the College of Arts and Sciences, the SCL is conducting place-based research to adapt these older housing models to contemporary needs, aiming to create more affordable and inclusive housing options.
2. **Reimagining Public Transit Access in South Bethlehem** Led by Karen Beck Pooley, co-director of the Small Cities Lab, a community and economic development project took place in Fall 2024, where students reimagined a little-known bus stop at the Fahy Bridge. Collaborating with local transit authorities (LANTA), the City of Bethlehem, and community groups, the initiative sought to make public transit stops more visible, functional, and welcoming, especially to those relying on affordable transportation.
3. **Community-University Partnerships and Collaboration** The SCL works closely with local organisations such as Community Action Lehigh Valley and the City of Bethlehem to co-create solutions addressing urban challenges. Their approach emphasises collaborations among municipalities, nonprofits, industries, and residents, ensuring that solutions like the Alley House Program and transit improvements are community-focused and sustainable.
These efforts underscore the SCL’s mission to enhance urban environments in Bethlehem through innovative housing solutions, improved transit access, and broad community engagement, all grounded in research that directly benefits the local population.
### Making a Difference
The SCL's projects, such as the Alley House Program, have a broad impact and commitment to fostering inclusive communities. One such individual who has been significantly influenced by the SCL is Ernesto Zelaya '24, who transitioned from an architecture student to a housing justice advocate through his work with the Alley House Program. Ernesto credits the Small Cities Lab for shaping his career path and solidifying his commitment to community-led development.
The Alley House Program has grown to spark broader conversations about housing equity in small cities. The SCL is now expanding its focus beyond housing to address broader issues impacting small cities, including infrastructure, health, and social equity.
Moreover, the SCL has been instrumental in providing opportunities for students like Ernesto to work on real-world projects and make a tangible difference in the world. The Lab was awarded a Community Projects Funding grant, the first award of its kind in Lehigh history, through a Congressional appropriation supported by former Sen. Bob Casey and former Rep. Susan Wild. With over $1.5 million in funding, including grants from HUD and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, the SCL has been able to design and build pilot units for affordable housing in West Bethlehem.
The SCL is planning to convene community leaders, academics, non-profits, municipal officials, and government agencies for the Small Cities Co-Lab symposium and workshop to build new partnerships and expand its research agenda. This event is expected to further solidify the SCL's role as a beacon of innovative, community-driven solutions for strengthening small cities in collaboration with community partners.
[1] Beck Pooley, K., & SCL Team. (2024). Reimagining Public Transit Access in South Bethlehem. Unpublished report. [2] Zelaya, E., & SCL Team. (2023). Alley House Program: Reviving Affordable Housing for Small Cities. Unpublished report.
- The Alley House Program, initiated by the Small Cities Lab (SCL) at Lehigh University, is conducting place-based research to adapt old housing models for contemporary needs, with the aim of creating more affordable and inclusive housing options, which is an integral part of their research on education-and-self-development.
- A community and economic development project led by Karen Beck Pooley, co-director of the Small Cities Lab, sought to make public transit stops more visible and welcoming, especially for those relying on affordable transportation, which is an example of their initiatives focusing on health and public services in the urban environment.
- The Small Cities Lab (SCL) collaborates with various organizations to co-create community-focused and sustainable solutions, such as the Alley House Program and improved transit access projects, ensuring these initiatives align with the goals of education, science, arts, and community-driven urban solutions at the Small Cities Lab.
