The Lehigh Valley faces new challenges as the region rapidly develops and diversifies. Understanding these changes and their effects on the region is vital to the advancement of the quality of life of residents of the Lehigh Valley. The Lehigh Valley Research Consortium (LVRC) is a collaboration among academic researchers, public officials, non-profits and business groups throughout the Lehigh Valley, which has come together to examine social, political, economic, health and environmental issues and solutions in a regional context.