Governor Shapiro's 2024-2025 state budget includes a huge win for communities: the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) expansion. With funding doubled to $72 million and corporate contribution limits increased, this will significantly boost local economic development projects. Discover how this expansion will empower communities like yours.
PCRG Connect: August Policy Brief
Governor Josh Shapiro has signed a $47.6 billion budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. Key highlights include doubling the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) to $72 million, raising the PHARE cap to $100 million over four years, and increasing the Historic Preservation Tax Credit from $5 million to $20 million. The Main Street Matters program also received $20 million. Additionally, a hearing on short-term rentals, led by Rep. Lindsey Powell, emphasized the need for regulations to mitigate their impact on neighborhoods. Pittsburgh City Council will address eviction protection legislation upon returning from recess on August 28. We also joined a national comment letter to HUD advocating for reforms to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program to boost affordable housing.
PCRG Connect: July Policy Brief
Stay informed on critical developments: SCOTUS's recent rulings impact homelessness policies, the state budget negotiations are still ongoing with significant housing and community funding on the line, and the Pittsburgh Land Bank's efforts are stalled without a taxing body agreement. Plus, meet Allegheny County's new Housing Strategist and his vision for addressing homelessness.
Read morePCRG Connect: June Policy Brief
Missed Affordable Housing Month news in Pittsburgh? Catch up on the key events and initiatives that took place! From Councilman Khari Mosley's pivotal meeting on housing affordability to the launch of the "Right to Counsel" Campaign, PCRG was actively involved in driving positive change.
Plus, stay informed on state budget negotiations, the push to expand the Neighborhood Assistance Program, and federal policies impacting our communities.
National Homeownership Month: Empowering Future Homeowners and Strengthening Communities
Discover the financial and community benefits of homeownership this National Homeownership Month. Learn about the barriers and initiatives to make homeownership accessible for all. Read more to find out how you can be part of this empowering journey.
Read moreAffordable Housing Leads to Thriving Communities
Uncover the stark reality of housing accessibility and affordability, as Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group (PCRG) leads the charge in sparking vital conversations and tangible solutions. Delve into the disparities laid bare by startling statistics, prompting urgent calls for action from policymakers and community activists alike. Join the movement to revolutionize housing equity, from challenging systemic barriers to advocating for innovative policy reforms. Click now for a glimpse into how Affordable Housing Month is more than a moment — it’s a catalyst for lasting change and inclusive communities.
Read morePCRG Connect: May Policy Brief
Discover how local communities are overcoming hurdles and driving change! Join PCRG members Fineview and Perry Citizens in celebrating a zoning victory that reshapes neighborhoods. Plus, uncover the legislative push to double the Neighborhood Assistance Program's funding, shedding light on crucial housing challenges. Get a sneak peek into the Pennsylvania Housing Financing Agency’s eye-opening study, revealing a shortage of 25,000 housing units for low-income residents. And delve into the discussions at the Statewide Blight Task Force meeting, where policymakers tackle issues from vacant property registration to combating absentee LLCs. Click to read more and stay ahead on neighborhood revitalization efforts!
Read moreFair Housing is Affordable Housing
Delve into the legacy and ongoing significance of the Fair Housing Act, a pivotal civil rights milestone signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on April 11, 1968. This groundbreaking legislation stands as a beacon against housing discrimination based on race, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, and family status. While strides have been made, the battle against discrimination persists. Join PCRG in our daily advocacy efforts, where we intersect with Fair Housing principles to champion equal access to homeownership opportunities, crucial for addressing systemic housing disparities. From advocating for Tenants' Right to Counsel to combating appraisal bias, our initiatives strive to ensure fair treatment in housing.
Read morePCRG Connect: April Policy Brief
Dive into the latest updates shaping Pittsburgh's housing landscape! From crucial legislation expanding the Pittsburgh Land Bank board to exciting developments in the Neighborhood Assistance Program , or NAP, a lot is happening. Plus, learn about County Executive Sara Innamorato's new chief housing strategist and advocacy efforts against the Capital One-Discover merger.
Read morePCRG CONNECT: MARCH POLICY BRIEF
Pittsburgh Land Bank Board updates, developments in Whole Home Repairs and Neighborhood Assistance Programs and CRA news.
Read morePCRG Connect: February Policy Updates
Presidential politics, congressional deals, and local zoning changes are making waves.
Read morePCRG Connect: January Policy Updates
New year, new developments, including a new era of local elected officials, state and local budgets as well as a looming government shutdown.
Read moreCandidate Survey: Allegheny County Executive
In the lead-up to Election Day, PCRG offered Allegheny County Executive candidates the opportunity to participate in interviews focusing on issues including land bank barriers, budget transparency, affordable housing, and declining Black homeownership rates — and how they would tackle them.
Read moreUnearthing Potential: the Pittsburgh Land Bank’s Journey
Recent legislative changes have empowered the Pittsburgh Land Bank to expedite the revitalization of vacant land, but crucial elements are still missing, leaving over 30,000 vacant properties in limbo — and advocates calling for urgent action from the Land Bank board to negotiate taxing body agreements.
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