Pennsylvania State Senator Joe Picozzi announced on May 6 a series of legislative proposals aimed at addressing the state’s growing housing shortage. The initiatives are designed to increase the supply of homes while maintaining local input and neighborhood character.
The issue of affordable and accessible housing has become more pressing for families, young professionals, seniors, and employers across Pennsylvania. Picozzi said that rising rents and barriers to homeownership are impacting residents throughout Philadelphia and other communities.
“If we want to expand access to housing, we need to build more homes – but we must do it in a way that respects neighborhood character and gives communities a real voice in how that growth happens. More housing and neighborhood control are not competing ideas – they are how we move forward and responsibly increase the housing supply,” Picozzi said.
The proposed legislative package includes several measures developed after discussions with builders, local officials, and community stakeholders. One proposal would create a Residential Economic Development District Grant Program targeted at former industrial towns working to rebuild. The program would provide state grants for building new homes near job centers if municipalities commit to reforms such as modernizing zoning rules, streamlining permitting processes, and preparing sites for development.
Other initiatives include establishing preapproved plans for certain types of housing like duplexes or townhomes to reduce delays caused by inconsistent approval processes; creating a Housing Development Regulatory Compliance Officer position as a single point of contact for permit applicants; expanding property tax abatements up to 20 years for redevelopment projects; and adjusting permitting requirements related to environmental standards.
“None of these ideas alone will solve our housing shortage. But together, they represent a practical, balanced approach—one that builds more homes, respects local control, encourages private investment, and increases access to housing supply across our communities,” Picozzi said.
Picozzi concluded by emphasizing the importance of action: “Housing is more than a policy issue. It is the foundation of opportunity… If we want [Pennsylvania] to remain true [to its values], we must act now to ensure more people can find attainable housing in the communities they call home.”
