BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The Downtown Bethlehem Association (DBA) will undergo a restructuring effective July 1 that will reshape how the city supports its historic downtown business community.
The DBA operates under the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and has long served as a liaison between small business owners and regional economic development.
According to chamber officials, the new plan will shift some responsibilities away from DBA leadership and consolidate decision-making at the chamber level.
Downtown Bethlehem is home to independently owned shops, restaurants, and galleries that rely on foot traffic, tourism, and coordinated promotion. The DBA has been their direct advocate for many of those business owners.
“This new structure for the Downtown Bethlehem Association, a council of the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, is about strengthening the voice of our downtown merchants and opening the door for broader involvement,” said Tammy Wendling, manager of the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce.
The association voted in April 2025 to disband for a year. Meeting minutes are not public, but Wendling said a majority voted in favor of the restructuring.
Responsibility for the DBA’s events will transfer to committees that meet monthly. After the year-long trial period, committee members will evaluate the changes and vote on whether to reinstate the association or continue under the new structure.
All DBA members are already involved in those committees, and the trial will add five new seats on the chamber’s board open to DBA representatives.
Concerns over transparency and priorities
Hotel Bethlehem owner Bruce Haines has been outspoken in opposing the restructuring. In a recent interview with The Morning Call, he warned that dissolving the DBA’s autonomy could reduce accountability and undercut support for existing businesses.
Haines said the hotel’s attorney is involved in trying to find a “compromise solution.”
Chamber officials said the restructuring is still in progress and is intended to build a more efficient and inclusive organization that benefits all business districts.
“For too long, decision-making was limited to a small group,” Wendling said. “Now, every merchant has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and help shape the future of Downtown Bethlehem. This isn’t about replacing the DBA—it’s about empowering it and making sure all voices are heard.”
Haines did not respond to additional requests for comment through Hotel Bethlehem.
