PHILADELPHIA, PA, September 12, 2024– Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2024-03, directing his Administration to create Pennsylvania’s first comprehensive Housing Action Plan to address the state’s housing shortage, address homelessness, and expand affordable housing options – ensuring Pennsylvanians have access to safe, affordable housing and attracting more people to live here in the Commonwealth.
The Executive Order tasks the Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) with leading the plan’s development, working alongside various stakeholders to identify housing needs and devise a strategic response. The Housing Action Plan will guide efforts to expand affordable housing and provide support to the unhoused. It will also ensure a coordinated, multi-agency approach involving state, local, and federal partners, as well as private organizations.
“To make Pennsylvania more competitive, we must cut costs, grow our workforce, and attract more people to live and work in the Commonwealth. A key challenge we face in attracting new residents is the lack of safe, affordable housing – which is why my Administration is focused on delivering commonsense solutions to expand affordable housing and lower housing costs for Pennsylvanians,” said Governor Shapiro. “We recognize that Pennsylvania faces unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to housing – that’s why we need a comprehensive, coordinated statewide housing plan. We’re taking action to build more homes in the communities that need them most, lower costs so families can afford to stay in their homes, repair aging houses, and make sure our seniors can live with dignity and comfort. We’re all in this together, and I’m committed to ensuring everyone has access to a place they can truly call home.”
“DCED is excited to work with colleagues inside and outside state government to create an action plan that will increase the supply of workforce housing, boost the supply of affordable housing, and provide critical support for people who are currently unhoused,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “When we created the state’s economic development strategy last year, we heard from stakeholders across Pennsylvania about the urgent need to address our housing challenges in a comprehensive way. The Housing Action Plan will provide a roadmap to increase Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness and complement our work to make the Commonwealth a top place to live, work, play, and innovate.”
Since day one, Governor Shapiro has worked to create real opportunities for Pennsylvanians and build an economy where everyone can chart their own course — working together with a divided legislature to deliver major investments that will help families afford to stay in their homes, address homelessness, and support our local communities by:
• Expanding the Property Tax/Rent Rebate and the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit
• Nearly doubling the funding cap for the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) Fund to expand affordable housing
• Increasing the Homelessness Assistance Program to make sure we are protecting our most vulnerable residents
• Doubling state investments in the Neighborhood Assistance Program to encourage businesses to invest in affordable housing and community development
• Investing in access to counsel for those facing eviction for the first time ever.
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