Scranton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Scranton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 Capital Budget and Spending Plan
The city's capital budget and reserve fund spending plan for fiscal year 2027 is up for adoption consideration by the Finance Committee. It determines which infrastructure projects get funded next year.
HUD 2026 Annual Action Plan Approval
Council approved the HUD 2026 Annual Action Plan, unlocking federal funds for community development, housing, and emergency grant programs.
Blighted Properties and Code Enforcement Concerns
Residents highlighted long-abandoned storage pods sitting on public streets and overgrown blighted properties, urging stricter enforcement and ordinance updates.
Infrastructure Maintenance, Pave Cuts, and Stormwater GIS Mapping
Residents raised major concerns about PA American Water cutting into Scranton streets and leaving temporary patches for months, causing vehicle damage and safety hazards. Speakers urged the city to enforce Chapter 412 of the municipal code regarding timely and proper road restorations and utility fines.
Extreme Heat and Emergency Cooling Plans for Unsheltered Residents
Residents and council members discussed the severe lack of overnight shelter space, resource limitations, and weather-related challenges faced by the city's unhoused population.
Fidelity Building Purchase Due Diligence
Council debated and ultimately approved transferring funds to complete the purchase of the Scranton Electric Building for city offices and a real-time crime center, balancing financial caution against contract breach risks.
Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Coverage
Councilman Sean McAndrew pressed the administration for transparency regarding the city's emergency ambulance capacity, highlighting that the city lacks a dedicated municipal ambulance service despite charter responsibilities.
Emergency Medical Services Contract and Operations
Council questioned the administration's timeline and communication regarding ambulance services and the upcoming RFP process.
Keyser Valley Flood Protection Project Easements
Residents and council members raised concerns over stormwater pipe installation gaps and easement costs in the Whitetail Drive / Fawnwood development area.
Snowstorm Response and Snow Removal Evaluation
Council members sharply criticized the administration for refusing to release a public after-action snowstorm report, instead offering to discuss DPW operations only in executive session.
Municipal Snow Removal Operations and Storm Response
Council members and citizens raised concerns regarding the city's response to recent heavy snowstorms and the administration's delay in providing a requested after-action report.