[Northampton County, PA] —Northampton County Executive Tara Zrinski has highlighted a series of key initiatives and early accomplishments as she marks her first 100 days in office, underscoring a commitment to strengthening county operations, expanding opportunity, and improving how government serves and connects with residents.

“When I look at the first 100 days, I see momentum,” said Zrinski. “I see a County government that is becoming more connected, more transparent, and more responsive. I see teams working across traditional boundaries to solve problems in smarter ways. And, I see the beginning of something bigger—a County government that is not only managing today’s challenges, but preparing responsibly for tomorrow’s opportunities.”

A Focus on People, Access, and Opportunity

The Zrinski administration has prioritized making County government more accessible, transparent, and responsive, implementing the following actions:

• Convened more than 100 community leaders, service providers, and residents for an Executive Summit to identify priorities and challenges
• Signed a Human Relations Ordinance into law to reinforce fairness and inclusion
• Created a Communications Manager position to enhance transparency and improve public access to County information
• Developed and launched pop-up voter services events, approved by the Election Commission, so more people can access the ballot with greater ease and convenience

“These actions are about meeting people where they are. Government works best when it’s accessible, clear, and responsive.”

Creating Pathways Forward and Workforce Development

A major milestone of the first 100 days was the launch of a new workforce-focused reentry initiative. Northampton County partnered with Northampton Community College and the Lehigh Valley Justice Institute to launch the Pathway to Your Future program—designed to prepare incarcerated individuals for successful reentry into the workforce through education, career planning, and hands-on support.

“This program is about creating real second chances,” said Zrinksi. “By equipping individuals with skills, direction, and support before they leave incarceration, we are strengthening both their futures and our regional workforce.”

Under the new leadership of DeAnn Lawrence, the Department of Corrections has also emphasized both accountability and long-term outcomes with improved hiring processes and increased transparency in reporting and operations.

Preserving Natural Resources

The Zrinski administration has demonstrated a deep commitment to protecting the environment, championing policies that preserve open space, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable development. Recent efforts through the Department of Parks and Recreation include:

• Securing State Board Approval on the preservation of three farms, including an agreement of intent signed for the future acquisition of 82 acres adjacent to Louise Moore Park
• Advanced two brownfield remediation projects, including one presented at the PA Brownfields Conference
• Certifying an Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program project to install a large waste storage facility, reducing erosion, nutrient runoff, and sedimentation into a tributary of Little Martins Creek
• Completing 28 conservation assessments and plans to support farmers in accessing federal cost-share assistance

 

Supporting Communities and Strengthening the Local Economy

Both the Department of Human Services and the Department of Community and Economic Development have made progress in expanding housing opportunities and supporting senior residents:

• Initiated construction on two attainable housing projects in Easton, including Shiloh Estates II and three new townhomes on Centre Street, as well as two new units in Nazareth in partnership with the Conference of Churches
• Assisted four first-time homebuyers with their home purchases, with each receiving $10,000 toward down payment and closing costs.
• Received the Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence for the Digital Navigator Coalition, a program that helps bridge the digital divide for seniors
• Launched a senior “trip and fall” prevention program at a Northampton County Housing Authority facility

 

Strengthening County Operations from the Inside Out

At Gracedale Nursing Home, we reduced our dependence on agency staff and increased daycare enrollment, all important signs of progress and stability. Zrinski has also made the request to separate the Gracedale continuum of care from Human Services, requiring a Director and Deputy Director position. This will increase oversight, accountability, and stability, that will help safeguard one of the County’s most valuable assets.

The administration has also advanced critical infrastructure and cost-saving efforts:

• The Government Center Parking Deck project is moving forward, with construction on track for this summer
• Cost-saving contracts for HVAC and facility systems are projected to reduce long-term expenses
• Across departments, the administration has focused on improving efficiency, coordination, and service delivery:
• Hired and onboarded 91 employees to strengthen County services
• Improved coordination between Human Resources, Corrections, and County leadership to address workplace concerns and enhance accountability

A Team-Based Approach to Leadership

Zrinski emphasized that early progress reflects a collaborative approach across departments and staff. “My role is to make sure we have the right team on the field and give them what they need to succeed,” she said. “What I am most proud of is not simply the work we have done, but how we have done it. We have done it by working together.”

While highlighting early progress, Zrinski noted that the work is just beginning:

“We’ve spent these first 100 days building a strong foundation; improving operations, launching new initiatives, and strengthening partnerships,” she said. “Now we build on it.”

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Northampton County Executive Office