Governor Josh Shapiro announces housing plan with renter protections, homebuyer support, and additional initiatives for Pennsylvania.
In September 2024, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro convened in Philadelphia to sign an executive order aimed at addressing the state’s housing supply crisis. The order mandated the development of a strategic plan to expand and preserve housing throughout Pennsylvania. This week, Shapiro is set to unveil the state’s comprehensive Housing Action Plan, which presents a robust framework of recommendations to steer housing policies through to 2035.
The Housing Action Plan notably emphasizes collaborative engagement, encouraging legislators and stakeholders across multiple sectors to take active roles in its implementation. While the plan does not specify funding amounts, it makes a strong call for local governments to facilitate increased housing options and for builders to enhance their contributions to the housing market. The overarching goal is to dismantle the barriers hindering housing construction.
Recent data highlights the urgency of the housing situation in Pennsylvania; over a million households are categorically “cost burdened,” expending more than 30% of their income on housing. This statistic underscores the need for an increase in housing stock to alleviate financial pressures on residents. The plan aims not only to augment the housing supply but also to improve affordability, streamline homebuilding processes, and enhance inter-agency coordination regarding housing initiatives.
In a recent budget address, Shapiro articulated his housing priorities, advocating for the establishment of a billion fund, which would be financed through bond issuance, to support infrastructure projects. This funding is seen as pivotal for implementing tenant protections and other housing initiatives that require legislative endorsement from Pennsylvania’s divided government.
As part of the plan, Pennsylvania is facing a projected shortfall of approximately 185,000 homes by 2035. To meet future demand, the state must aim to construct an additional 450,000 homes within this time frame, positioning itself as a leader in new home construction—a sector where it has significantly lagged behind, ranking 44th in new housing approvals between 2017 and 2023.
Among the essential recommendations outlined in the plan are enhanced programs for repairing and preserving existing homes, tax incentives for construction in underinvested regions, and grants to assist small residential developers in increasing production. Additionally, the plan proposes the implementation of more robust protections for renters, which includes enhanced eviction safeguards and regulated security deposits.
The strategic framework also addresses the critical issues facing manufactured-home owners, advocating for limits on rent increases and easing financing options for homeowners. By focusing on these initiatives, the Housing Action Plan aims to create a more stable housing environment for Pennsylvania residents.
Overall, Shapiro’s Housing Action Plan represents a pivotal move toward addressing the pressing housing challenges faced by the state. In acknowledging the interconnectedness of housing policy and economic stability, this comprehensive initiative seeks to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have access to safe, affordable housing options.
The plan signals a significant commitment from the state government to proactively tackle housing inadequacies that have long persisted, aiming to establish Pennsylvania as a model for effective housing policy nationwide.
Media News Source
