Phillips Armstrong, Lehigh County Executive, was elected to the National Association of Regional Councils Board of Directors last week.

Armstrong now represents all the councils of governments, development agencies, regional and metropolitan planning organizations in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Delaware. Armstrong was elected to represent Northeastern U.S. during the National Conference of Regions, held virtually from Washington, D.C.

This is the first time that any Lehigh Valley elected official has represented the cross-governmental needs of the over 27 million people living in the four-state Northeastern United States.

“This is a tremendous time for the Lehigh Valley, especially because our success is focused, coordinated and planned across counties. The National Association of Regional Councils reinforces our region’s and the Northeast’s voice in shaping federal policy,” Armstrong said.

The National Association of Regional Councils is a nationally recognized professional and advocacy organization supporting effective intergovernmental cooperation across the U.S. Working closely with the National Association of Counties and National League of Cities, the National Association of Regional Councils brings together leaders for federal, county, state and local governments to advocate for cross-governmental partnerships through regional councils like the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission and Workforce Board of the Lehigh Valley.

Armstrong said, “I look forward to increasing new resources for regions through intergovernmental cooperation, especially as the need for quality, consistent planning and implementation are so great. Our work in Lehigh County and by our neighbors is proven and it’s an honor to be trusted to represent the needs of the most economically active area of the nation.”