Governor Josh Shapiro recently proposed a ten-year roadmap to increase housing affordability and availability in Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth is facing a massive shortage of housing—450,000 new units are needed by 2035 to keep pace with demand, but the current pace of development is anticipated to fall short by roughly 185,000.
While the issue is most concentrated in the southeast region of Pennsylvania, the entire Commonwealth is facing a shortage. The Harrisburg Region is one of the fastest growing population centers in the Commonwealth, but the region has not seen a corresponding increase in new residential development. However, we have not seen a corresponding increase in new residential development. As we work to grow the regional economy, having available and affordable housing for our growing workforce will be critical to our regional economic success.
Much of the Governor’s plan would require legislative enactment. Particularly, the General Assembly would need to approve the Governor’s proposal to issue general obligation bonds to cover $1 billion in critical infrastructure investments. The plan would also depend on local government buy-in for things like accessory dwelling units and zoning reform. Regulatory modernization has long been a priority for the Harrisburg Regional Chamber, and we will continue to advocate for policy that promotes efficient and effective development.
More background information can be found here, and the Governor’s full ten-year housing plan can be read here.
About the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC
For 140 years, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC has served as the region’s catalyst for economic prosperity. The organization combines business, community, and economic development services to enhance the region’s vitality and livability. The Chamber is a five-star accredited chamber through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—a distinction held by fewer than 1 percent of chambers nationwide. CREDC is the Certified Economic Development Organization (CEDO) approved by the Commonwealth’s Department of Community and Economic Development to perform economic development activities using Pennsylvania’s funding programs in Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties.
