Housing, Housing, Housing…
ICYMI, last month, the City of Pittsburgh joined countless cities nationwide and declared May Affordable Housing Month! PCRG joined affordable housing organizations like Catapult Greater Pittsburgh, Action Housing, at City Council chambers to highlight the importance of the city's work toward meeting its affordable housing goals.
Councilman Khari Mosley hosted a post agenda meeting on increasing the affordability, attainability, and abundance of housing in Pittsburgh. Mosely called on local affordable housing practitioners, as well as University of California at Los Angles (UCLA) based researcher, to testify on the challenges and opportunities that the region faces when it comes to affordable housing — specifically zoning reforms, ways to increase the supply of units, and obtaining construction financing.
PCRG was proud to stand with neighborhood leaders, housing advocates, local officials and our friends at the Housing Justice Table in support of the “Right to Counsel” Campaign launch at the City-County Building. The Right to Counsel Campaign calls for tenants facing eviction in the City of Pittsburgh to receive free legal representation, or a court navigator, to assist them with resources and help resolve issues with landlords.
Speaking of tenant support services, you can provide feedback on the Legal Assistance Program under the Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF), and other HOF programs, by taking the Annual Community Feedback Survey until July 31st. Make your voice heard on how the HOF board allocates the $10 million housing trust fund throughout the City of Pittsburgh.
State Budget Deadline Looms….
The state legislature has until June 30th to send a budget to the governor for his signature. Back in February, Gov. Josh Shapiro released his $48 billion 2024-2025 budget proposal, which includes a $600 million investment in economic development, an increase in the housing trust fund and means to make the Whole Home Repairs Program permanent. As a reminder, the state legislature is currently sitting on a $14 billion surplus. We will keep you posted on any new developments on negotiations between the Republican lead senate, Democratic controlled House and the Governor’s office.
Not to be lost in the budget negotiations is our priority of expanding the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) to $72 million. We need to push the House to call for a full vote on HB 1429 and for the Senate to bring up SB 1181, which was recently introduced and mirrors the House bill, for a committee vote. For more information, including how to contact your legislators, bill information, and suggested talking points, visit our NAP landing page.
Federal
Our Policy Director attended the House Ways and Means Committee, Subcommittee on Tax hearing in Erie, hosted by Subcommittee Chair, Congressman Mike Kelly (R-Erie). The Ways and Means Committee is the primary tax writing committee and decides how the government collects tax revenue. At the hearing, the committee heard from witnesses on how federal investment like the Opportunity Zones and other tax credit programs helped stimulate the economy and revitalize the communities. The Trump era program received bipartisan accolades from committee members, that included calls for increased transparency and reporting. Also mentioned was the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, a legislative priority of PCRG and our national coalition partner, the Homeownership Alliance. The act is authored by Congressman Kelly, which has continued to gain bi-partisan support.
Sen, John Fetterman (D-PA) and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) have introduced the Reducing Regulatory Barriers to Housing Act in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. This groundbreaking legislation aims to empower local and state governments to tackle regulatory obstacles, boost housing supply, and lower costs by creating new national frameworks and guidance. With backing from over 115 industry organizations and advocacy groups, this bill is set to make a significant impact!