On the Hill
Presidential politics have entered the chat
Congressional leaders from both parties are on the precipice of a bipartisan spending agreement to meet another deadline to avoid a government shutdown.
The agreement includes funding for foreign aid, as well as a bipartisan immigration deal — something Republicans and some Democrats have been pushing for.
President Biden has said that he would shut down the border if Congress passes the deal, and likely Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is also against it – scaring off Republicans and delaying funding to the federal government.
There is good news to report out of Congress…sort of…
Last week, the House Ways and Means Committee voted to approve the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act. The $78 billion package would expand and strengthen Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, as written in the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act (AHCIA).
BREAKING:
On Wednesday, the House overwhelmingly passed the measure and it now moves to the Senate, where 60 votes are needed to bring the measure to the President's desk. Pennsylvania’s Senators are in favor of the proposal; however, the proposal faces serious opposition from Senate Republicans. We will keep you posted.
“Zoning in” on local happenings
Pittsburgh City Councilman Bobby Wilson introduced legislation revamping the zoning code that will allow for building attached homes on lots 35 square feet (about the area of a queen-sized bed) wide or smaller. He was joined by other council members, the Gainey administration, as well as neighborhood advocates from Fineview and Perry Hilltop Citizens Councils, and housing advocates like the City of Bridges Community Land Trust.
The objective of the amended zoning change is to promote more density, lower housing development costs, and create more affordable housing opportunities in city neighborhoods. The full Council still needs to vote on the measure and is expected to pass.
Feedback opportunity
Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) is seeking community feedback on the design of the Herron Station project. The station sits at the intersection of the Polish Hill, Lower Lawrenceville and Strip District neighborhoods, and is part of the east busway route. Some of the recommended station design changes include a larger and covered platform. There are two opportunities to engage with PRT, with an online meeting on February 15 and commenting on the PRT Herron Station Improvement program page.
Community conversations
Did you miss the first community conversation with the new County Executive last week? The good news is that there are three more coming up in a neighborhood near you!
This is a great opportunity to brainstorm policy ideas with your neighbors, help set priorities for the new administration, learn how county government can best serve you and your community, and meet county department officials.
Harrisburg happenings
It’s a new legislative season in Harrisburg, and Gov. Shapiro is hitting the ground running to kickstart his 2024 agenda.
After announcing his education plan, which is expected to dominate this year's budget negotiation (as it did the last), the governor rolled out his 10-year economic development strategy for Pennsylvania's competitiveness.
The governor will give his budget address to both chambers of the legislature on February 5, under the capitol rotunda. We’ll keep you posted on the details of his spending agenda and what that will mean for community development and investments in your communities.
Before you go…
United States Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited Allegheny County last week to highlight investments made possible by President Biden’s bi-partisan infrastructure law. The investment of over $140 million will go towards the repair of 10 bridges along the I-376 east corridor, as well as the repair of a flood wall in Downtown Pittsburgh.